NEW DELHI: Chinese Ambassador to India Xu Feihong on Thursday emphasised that India and China are “neighbours that cannot be moved apart,” while taking an indirect swipe at the United States over its remarks on the two Asian powers.
Speaking at an India-China youth dialogue, Xu said the “remarkable” development of both countries is rooted in the hard work and wisdom of their people—not the generosity of any external power.
His comments appeared to be aimed at recent remarks by Christopher Landau, who said Washington would not repeat its past approach with China in its engagement with India. India’s External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar had responded earlier, asserting that India’s rise would be shaped by its own efforts rather than by the missteps of others.
“In recent decades, both China and India have achieved remarkable development. These achievements are built on the hard work and wisdom of our own people, supported by global cooperation, and are by no means the result of others’ generosity,” Xu said.
He stressed that both nations are at a critical stage of development and national rejuvenation, and should pursue growth through self-reliance while expanding mutually beneficial cooperation.
Calling for stronger ties, Xu said India and China must work together despite differences. “Some people are unwilling to see China and India live in harmony. They deliberately amplify our differences, hype up the so-called China threat, and seek to profit from discord,” he said.
He urged young people in both countries to think independently, move beyond “information cocoons,” and promote a more balanced and rational understanding of bilateral ties.
Highlighting broader global challenges, Xu said rising unilateralism, protectionism and hegemonism are undermining the international order. As key members of the Global South, he added, India and China should enhance coordination to safeguard the interests of developing nations and drive collective growth.
