In a country's development, collaboration is key: Ambassador to India

Question: Some Indian citizens and students cannot go to China due to COVID-19. They are eager to return to China and continue their work and study there. When could China lift relevant travel restrictions?

Ambassador Sun: Recently, many Indian citizens, especially students, expressed on the internet their desire to go to China for study or to continue their study. I fully understand that, and I am gratified with their spirit of overcoming difficulties and making efforts for study.

As COVID-19 spreads across the world, all countries are taking due measures to prevent and contain the virus based on their own conditions. I believe this should be understood and observed by both Chinese and foreign nationals. International travel will increase the risk of infection and will have a huge impact on the travelers and the destination countries. Recently, Chinese city of Guangzhou once again diagnosed confirmed cases. Since May 21, Guangzhou has carried out a large-scale COVID test. As of June 5, the cumulative number of samples tested reached 16 million. China takes great efforts in containing the spread of the virus.

Let me be clear that the Chinese government attaches high importance to protecting the rights and interests of foreign students in China. Academic institutions are required to keep in close contact with those students abroad. They have made good arrangements for online courses, and properly addressed students' legitimate concerns and appeals. On the precondition of observing containment protocols, the Chinese authorities will study foreign students' return to China in a coordinated manner and keep in communication with relevant parties. On the premise of ensuring the health and safety of the Indian students, our Embassy will also encourage them to continue their studies in flexible and diverse ways and provide them with relevant conveniences.

Question: As two major developing and neighboring countries, a good bilateral relationship is important to both India and China. At present, the bilateral relations are facing big challenges and difficulties. How will bilateral relations overcome difficulties and continue to move forward? What are your expectations for the future of bilateral relations?

Ambassador Sun: The Chinese side has made a series of statements on our position to develop China-India relations. Our position is clear, comprehensive and coherent. On April 15, I attended the opening ceremony of the 7th CPIFA-ICWA Dialogue, and shared my view on the bilateral relations. The full text of my speech is posted on the website of the Chinese Embassy for all friends' reference.

How to understand China-India Relations? We need to grasp the essence of the bilateral relations. That is about how the world's two largest developing countries get along with each other and pursue development and rejuvenation together. As two ancient civilizations, we can and should view our relations from a higher, broader and longer-term perspective.

Why should China and India cooperate? Because China and India are close neighbors and major emerging economies. Each of us has a population of over one billion. And both countries are facing arduous development tasks and broad development prospects. Our common interests far outweigh the differences. Our cooperation will enable the 2.7 billion people to live a better life.

How will the China-India relations move forward? We need cooperation rather than confrontation. We need to help each other succeed instead of undercutting each other. At the moment, we should focus on tackling the pandemic, reviving the economy, improving people's livelihood, and managing our own affairs well.

It is normal for countries to have differences. The boundary question is left over from history and should be put at a proper place in the overall bilateral relations. The Chinese side's position is clear. We are committed to settling the boundary question through dialogue and consultation. At the same time, we are resolved to safeguard our sovereignty, security and development interests. The two sides should respect each other, treat each other as equals, conduct dialogue and consultation and properly address differences to find a mutually acceptable solution.