China's Foreign Ministry said on Tuesday that China and India ought to consider each other partners and not competitors, after a strategic dialogue convened in New Delhi between Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Ma Zhaoxu and India’s Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri.
According to a statement from the ministry, the exchange between the two officials was "friendly, in-depth" and centered on strengthening the bilateral relationship. The statement said both sides emphasized that the two countries should view one another as opportunities rather than threats, and that differences between them should be managed properly.
Ma's visit is described by the ministry as part of a sequence of senior-level Chinese diplomatic engagements with India designed to improve relations between the two governments. The statement linked these efforts to a leaders' meeting that took place in China last year, which it said aimed to reset ties that had been strained following a border clash in 2020.
In its summary of the talks, the ministry said the two sides agreed on the need to enhance mutual trust, expand cooperative work, and deal with differences in a proper manner so as to promote the healthy and stable development of China-India relations. No additional details of specific agreements or timelines were provided in the ministry release.
The ministry's characterisation of the dialogue highlights an official intent to move toward more constructive engagement, while also acknowledging that differences remain and must be handled carefully. The statement framed the relationship in terms of partnership and opportunity, language that indicates a diplomatic emphasis on risk reduction and confidence-building.
Summary
- China's Foreign Ministry reported that a strategic dialogue in New Delhi between Vice Foreign Minister Ma Zhaoxu and India's Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri was "friendly, in-depth."
- Both sides said China and India should regard each other as partners, not competitors, and treat each other as opportunities rather than threats.
- The ministry said the talks are part of sustained high-level Chinese engagement with India following a leaders' meeting in China last year, intended to reset ties after a 2020 border clash.
Key points
- Diplomatic tone - The ministry emphasised partnership and opportunity as the preferred framing for China-India relations.
- Trust and cooperation - Both sides agreed to enhance mutual trust and broaden cooperation to support stable bilateral development.
- Sectors potentially affected - The push for improved relations may be relevant to cross-border trade, logistics and shipping sectors, which are sensitive to the state of diplomatic ties.
Risks and uncertainties
- Unresolved differences - The statement underscores the need to "properly handle differences," indicating persistent issues that could hamper progress if not managed.
- Border tensions legacy - The reference to the 2020 border clash signals continuing sensitivities that could affect stability in bilateral ties.
- Implementation gap - While officials agreed on principles like trust and cooperation, the ministry's release did not specify concrete steps, leaving uncertainty about follow-through.