China on Monday said India and China should adhere to the “right strategic perception” that they are cooperative partners rather than rivals and view each other as opportunities for development instead of threats.
Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian made the remarks while responding to a question on Russian President Vladimir Putin’s recent comments on India-China relations and Moscow’s ties with both countries.
“China and India should stick to the perception that the two countries are cooperative partners, not competitors and rivals, and both countries are opportunities for each other's development, not threats,” Lin told a media briefing in Beijing.
He said the border situation between the two countries was generally stable and communication channels remained open and smooth.
According to Lin, both sides should view bilateral relations from a strategic and long-term perspective, strengthen mutual trust, expand cooperation, properly manage differences and promote the steady development of ties.
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Responding to concerns about China’s close relationship with Pakistan, Lin said Beijing supports both India and Pakistan in resolving differences through dialogue and consultation while working together to maintain regional peace and stability.
On trilateral ties involving India, China and Russia, Lin said all three countries are major emerging economies and maintaining healthy relations among them serves not only their own interests but also contributes to global peace, security and stability.
He added that China is prepared to maintain communication with both Russia and India to advance trilateral cooperation.
Lin’s remarks came days after Russian President Vladimir Putin praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping during an interaction with heads of leading global news agencies.
Putin described India-China relations as a delicate and multifaceted relationship that should not be subject to outside interference. He said both leaders were working to resolve issues of mutual concern, including the boundary question.
The Russian President also stressed that Moscow’s partnerships with New Delhi and Beijing had evolved independently and organically, adding that closer ties with one did not come at the expense of the other.
He underlined Russia’s effort to maintain strategic balance in Asia while preserving strong relations with both India and China.
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