China says India ties on ‘Correct Path’, calls for partnership over rivalry

China on Thursday said its relationship with India is moving along a “correct path” of improvement , with Foreign Minister Wang Yi asserting that shared interests outweigh differences.

Speaking during a farewell meeting with outgoing Indian Ambassador Pradeep Rawat , Wang said Beijing is ready to work with New Delhi to implement leaders’ consensus , urging both sides to treat each other as partners rather than competitors in a complex global environment.

Ties between India and China had remained strained since the 2020 military standoff in eastern Ladakh , particularly after the Galwan Valley clashes. However, recent meetings between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Xi Jinping on the sidelines of BRICS and Shanghai Cooperation Organisation have revived diplomatic engagement .

While Wang’s remarks reflect a diplomatic thaw , their merit remains partial. The two countries share strong economic linkages and common positions in global forums, but unresolved border disputes and a continuing trust deficit still constrain ties. Experts note that the situation along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) has not fully normalised, limiting the scope of any meaningful reset.

The outreach also comes amid China’s close ties with Pakistan, often described as an “all-weather partnership.” Beijing continues to deepen cooperation with Islamabad while positioning itself as a regional stabilising force , even as India raises concerns over cross-border security issues .

Overall, the relationship appears to be stabilising in tone , but lasting progress will depend on concrete steps , particularly on border disengagement and rebuilding mutual trust .