China and India Agree to Strengthen Bilateral Ties and Promote Global Cooperation

China and India have agreed to maintain the momentum of bilateral ties, with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and Indian Foreign Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar reaching a consensus during talks in New Delhi. Noting the rapidly changing global landscape and the challenges facing free trade and international order, Wang Yi emphasized the importance of cooperation between the two largest developing countries, with a combined population of over 2.8 billion. He stressed that both countries should act as major powers, set an example for developing countries, and contribute to promoting a multipolar world and the democratization of international relations.

Key Takeaways:

• China and India have agreed to maintain the momentum of bilateral ties, with a focus on cooperation, mutual respect, and trust.
• The two countries have reached an agreement to resume Indian pilgrimage to holy sites in China's Xizang, and are gradually resuming exchanges and dialogue at all levels.
• The Chinese Foreign Minister emphasized the importance of strategic cooperation between the two countries, citing the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and India.
• Both countries have reaffirmed their commitment to multilateralism, fair trade, and global economic stability.
• The Indian Foreign Minister expressed hope for further deepening of political trust with China, strengthening mutually beneficial cooperation, and expanding people-to-people exchanges.

Statistics:

• 2.8 billion: The combined population of China and India
• 75: The number of years since China and India established diplomatic relations
• 80: The number of years since the United Nations was established
• 2025: The year marking the 90th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and India (estimated)

Sources:

• Xinhua (Aug 19, 2023) - "China, India agree to maintain momentum of bilateral ties"
• State Council News (People's Republic of China) - Interview with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi
• Ministry of External Affairs (India) - Statement by the Indian Foreign Minister on bilateral ties with China