Chinese ambassador downplays Galwan clash, calls it "unfortunate incident"
Chinese Ambassador to India Sun Weidong sought to downplay the Indo-China clash at Galwan Valley that took place around mid-June, at an Indo-China youth webinar. Terming the clash as an "unfortunate incident" and "a brief moment from the perspective of history," Sun said that both the sides now have to work towards handling bilateral talks in a smoother and more efficient manner.
China and India have common economic interests: Sun
Emphasizing that both China and India are major ancient civilizations, he said that they should have the wisdom to solve the boundary dispute by diplomatic means, rather than resorting to aggression. Calling the two economies "interwoven and interdependent," Sun remarked that no nation can survive in isolation. Sun also reiterated the indispensability of cultural exchange and people-to-people contact.
India and China have been trading partners for long: Sun
"China has been India's largest trading partner for many years, while India is also China's largest trading partner in South Asia. I think the two big economies of China and India should attract each other like magnets," said Sun.
"China sees India as a partner, not threat"
Further, Sun said, "China sees India as a partner, instead of a rival." The two countries should abandon the "one's gain is another's loss" mindset, he added. He said in the new century, bilateral ties must improve. The official spoke about language's importance in cultural exchanges between both the countries. His comments assume significance amid reports that Confucius Institutes are under scanner in India.
India and China had clashed in Galwan Valley in June
To recall, Indian soldiers had clashed with China's People's Liberation Army at the Galwan Valley in Ladakh on June 15. 20 Indian soldiers had lost their lives in the deadliest face-off in decades, while China refused to acknowledge its casualties. Among the martyred soldiers was a Commanding Officer of the Bihar Regiment. Unsurprisingly, the violence soured ties between both the neighbors.
Recently, Bipin Rawat said that India could explore military options
Separately, on Monday, CDS (Chief of Defense Staff) Bipin Rawat stated that should talks between India and China fail, then the former would explore its military options. Since April-May, as many as five Lieutenant General-level talks have been held, but to no avail. While India is firm it won't halt its infrastructure push, China is adamant that the construction projects amount to "trespassing."
