Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Sun Weidong, during his visit to New Delhi, affirmed that China-India relations are witnessing a “hard-won momentum of improvement and development,” emphasizing the importance of continued efforts to advance bilateral cooperation and manage differences constructively.
Sun co-chaired a new round of the China-India Vice Foreign Minister–Foreign Secretary Dialogue with Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri, and also held a meeting with National Security Advisor Ajit Doval. According to a statement by the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, both sides engaged in candid and in-depth discussions on bilateral ties and regional and global issues of mutual concern.
Sun stressed the need to follow the strategic guidance of the leaders of both countries, referencing the recent meeting in Kazan, and called for a long-term, strategic approach to the relationship.
“Both countries should enhance political trust, expand cooperation, handle disagreements wisely, and work together for regional peace and development,” the statement said.
The Indian side reiterated its support for China’s presidency of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), and both sides agreed to jointly prepare for the 24th Special Representatives’ Meeting on the China-India Boundary Question, to be held at a mutually convenient time.
The two countries also agreed to:
- Resume direct flights and facilitate the exchange of resident journalists.
- Promote people-to-people exchanges and cultural cooperation.
- Gradually revive bilateral dialogue mechanisms.
- Ensure smooth visits by Indian pilgrims to Mount Gang Rinpoche (Kailash) and Lake Mapam Yum Tso in Tibet’s Xizang Autonomous Region.
- Continue activities to mark the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations.
In a gesture of goodwill, Vice Foreign Minister Sun Weidong also conveyed condolences over the tragic Air India crash in Gujarat on June 12.
