‘Time To Look Forward’: Chinese Ambassador On Future Of India-China Relations

Recalling the shared civilisational heritage of China and India, Chinese Ambassador to India, Xu Feihong, on Sunday expressed optimism about the future of bilateral ties between the two countries. Speaking on the sidelines of an event in Kolkata, he voiced hope that relations between the two Asian neighbours would continue to improve.

“As Prime Minister Modi said, in the thousands of years’ relations between China and India, there was a very short time of differences between us,” Ambassador Feihong stated, adding, “We should look forward, look to the future, the young people today.”

According to PTI, the envoy was attending a function where Indian students who had attained proficiency in the Chinese language were awarded. Praising the students, he said the youth represent the hope of both nations. “So we should believe that in the future our relationships will be better and better,” he said.

When asked about the potential for resolving the border issues, Feihong said there is reason to believe that all differences between the two sides can be resolved. He added that this would require efforts not only from the governments but also from think tanks, universities and students.

The ambassador said Prime Minister Modi and President Xi Jinping had reached a “very important consensus to together promote good neighbourly relationships between China and India”. He expressed hope that new developments in bilateral ties would take shape in the near future.

Feihong also said he was hopeful that direct flights between the two countries, which have been suspended since 2020, would resume soon.

Addressing the gathering, the ambassador said that India-China ties were at a “critical stage”, especially with 2025 marking the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two nations. He added that China would soon host a youth delegation from India to visit cities including Beijing.