China on Monday called for stronger cooperation and confidence-building with India, saying the two countries should view each other as development partners rather than threats and manage bilateral ties with a long-term strategic perspective.
Speaking at a regular media briefing in Beijing, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian said India and China should deepen cooperation, manage differences through dialogue, and work towards the stable development of bilateral relations.
"Both countries should regard each other as opportunities for development and not as threats," Lin said.
He added that the situation along the India-China border remains generally stable and that communication channels between the two sides are functioning effectively.
Lin's remarks came in response to comments made by Russian President Vladimir Putin on India-China relations and Russia's engagement with both countries.
The Chinese spokesperson said Beijing supports efforts to strengthen mutual trust, expand cooperation, and resolve outstanding issues through dialogue and consultation. He also reiterated China's position that India and Pakistan should address their differences peacefully while contributing to regional stability.
Emphasising the importance of trilateral engagement, Lin described India, China, and Russia as major emerging economies whose cooperation could contribute to global peace, security, and economic stability.
He said China remains willing to maintain communication with both New Delhi and Moscow to advance cooperation among the three countries.
During an interaction with international news agencies, including PTI, Putin praised Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping, saying both leaders were working to address issues of mutual concern, including the border dispute.
Calling India-China relations "delicate and multifaceted", Putin said external interference would be unhelpful. He added that Russia's strong partnerships with both India and China have evolved independently and do not come at the expense of either relationship.