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India-China Relations: A Cautious Step Towards Normalisation
India's External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar met his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi, marking his first visit since the 2020 Ladakh standoff. While acknowledging "good progress" in normalising ties over the past nine months, Jaishankar stressed the need for de-escalation on the border and addressing restrictive trade practices, including the critical issue of rare earth magnet supply. Both ministers highlighted the importance of mutual respect and cooperation for global stability, with the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra's resumption being a positive sign for people-to-people ties.
A Fresh Dialogue: India Pushes for Border De-escalation and Fair Trade
External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar's visit to China,on July 14, his first since the military standoff in eastern Ladakh in May 2020, signals a determined effort by India to move its complex relationship with China towards normalisation. Meeting Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi ahead of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Foreign Ministers' meeting in Tianjin, Jaishankar underlined that "differences should not become disputes" and "competition will never become conflict."
Progress, But More Needed on the Border
Dr.Jaishankar noted "good progress in the past nine months for the normalisation of our bilateral relations," attributing it to the "resolution of friction along the border and our ability to maintain peace and tranquility there." This is seen as the "fundamental basis for mutual strategic trust and for smooth development of bilateral relations." However, he firmly stated that it's now "incumbent on us to address other aspects related to the border, including de-escalation," highlighting the continued presence of 50,000-60,000 troops along the Line of Actual Control. The issue of cooperation on trans-border rivers, including the crucial resumption of hydrological data from the Chinese side, was also raised.
Trade Hurdles and Rare Earth Magnets
On the economic front,MEA, Jaishankar emphasised the need to avoid "restrictive trade measures and roadblocks." A key concern raised by India is Beijing's recent restrictions on the export of rare earth magnets. China dominates over 90% of the global processing capacity for these crucial magnets, essential for industries like automobiles, clean energy, and home appliances. India's auto sector has been particularly hit by these restrictions, with New Delhi officially raising the issue.
Terrorism, SCO, and People-to-People Ties
Beyond bilateral issues, Dr. Jaishankar reiterated India's strong stance on terrorism. He underlined that the SCO's primary mandate is to combat terrorism, separatism, and extremism, expressing hope that "zero tolerance for terrorism will be strongly upheld." This carries a thinly-veiled reference to Pakistan-sponsored cross-border terrorism, especially in the wake of "Operation Sindoor," India's decisive response to the Pahalgam attack.
A positive development highlighted by Jaishankar was the resumption of the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra after a five-year gap, expressing gratitude for China's cooperation. Both sides also agreed to take further practical steps to boost people-to-people exchanges, including travel to each other’s countries and direct flight connectivity, marking the 75th year of diplomatic relations.
A "Far-Seeing Approach" for Global Benefit
During his meeting with Chinese Vice President Han Zheng earlier in Beijing, Jaishankar underscored that continued normalisation of India-China ties can lead to "mutually beneficial outcomes" and that an open exchange of views is "very important" in the current complex global scenario. He echoed this sentiment in his talks with Wang Yi, stating that "stable and constructive ties between India and China are not only to our benefit, but that of the world as well."
The Chinese readout, meanwhile, stressed that the relationship is "not aimed at third parties and should not be interfered with by third parties," advocating for mutual trust over suspicion and cooperation over competition. Wang Yi described the essence of China-India relations as "how to live in harmony," urging both nations to "realise the dance of dragons and elephants" and find a way to respect, trust, coexist peacefully, and develop together.
This visit serves as a crucial step in ongoing diplomatic efforts, highlighting areas of progress while underscoring the significant challenges that still need to be addressed for a truly normalised and stable relationship between the two Asian giants.(source-The Indian Express)
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