SCO meet: 'Competition shouldn't become conflict' - What EAM Jaishankar said during his first China visit since Galwan clashes

NEW DELHI: External affairs minister S Jaishankar, during his first visit to China since 2020 Galwan Valley clashes , called upon the neighbouring nation to ensure that 'differences does not become disputes, nor does competition become conflict.'

"Stable and constructive ties between India and China are not only to our benefit, but that of the world as well. This is best done by handling relations on the basis of mutual respect , mutual interest and mutual sensitivity. We have also earlier agreed that differences should not become disputes, nor should competition ever become conflict. On this foundation, we can now continue to develop our ties along a positive trajectory," Jaishankar said in his opening address during his meeting with China's foreign minister Wang Yi.

The statements came as Jaishankar noted that India and China had "made good progress in the past nine months for the normalization of our bilateral relations."

"It is a result of the resolution of friction along the border and our ability to maintain peace and tranquility there. This is the fundamental basis for mutual strategic trust and for smooth development of bilateral relations. It is now incumbent on us to address other aspects related to the border, including de-escalation," he added.

However, in an apparent reference to China's restriction to export of critical minerals, he said, "As neighbouring nations and major economies in the world today, there are various facets and dimensions of our ties. Measures towards normalizing our people to people exchanges can certainly foster mutually beneficial cooperation. It is also essential in this context that restrictive trade measures and roadblocks are avoided. I hope to discuss these issues in further detail."

The visit comes amid improving ties after the 2020 Galwan Valley clash strained relations. The military standoff in eastern Ladakh was effectively resolved with disengagement at Demchok and Depsang in October 2023. This progress set the stage for Prime Minister Narendra Modi and China President Xi Jinping’s meeting in Kazan, where both sides agreed to revive stalled dialogue mechanisms.