Beijing, June 9:
China on Monday urged India to maintain what it called the “right strategic perception” of bilateral relations, stressing that the two countries should regard each other as cooperative partners rather than rivals, and as opportunities rather than threats to each other’s development.
Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian made the remarks while responding to comments by Russian President Vladimir Putin on India-China ties.
Lin said the situation along the India-China border is currently stable and that communication between the two sides remains smooth.
He emphasized that Beijing and New Delhi should view their relationship from a strategic and long-term perspective, strengthen mutual trust, expand cooperation, properly manage differences and work together to ensure the healthy and steady development of bilateral relations.
On India’s concerns over China’s close ties with Pakistan, particularly Beijing’s defence cooperation with Islamabad, Lin did not directly address the issue. Instead, he reiterated China’s position that India and Pakistan should resolve their differences through dialogue and consultation while jointly safeguarding regional peace and stability.
Lin also highlighted the importance of cooperation among China, India and Russia, describing them as major emerging economies.
He said maintaining strong relations among the three countries serves their shared interests and contributes to regional and global peace, security, stability and prosperity.
Putin, meanwhile, praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping, saying Russia’s partnerships with India and China have evolved naturally and independently, without one relationship undermining the other.