'Sound and stable relations...': China reacts to Indian PM Modi's border row remarks

China has reacted to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's remarks on the ongoing border row between Beijing and New Delhi. According to a report by the news agency PTI on Thursday (Apr 11), Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning told a media briefing that Beijing noted the remarks by Modi. "We believe that sound and stable China, India relations serve the common interests of both sides and are conclusive to peace and development of the region and beyond," Mao said.

On being asked about the ongoing India-China border dispute, Mao said the matter did not represent the entirety of India-China relations, adding, that it should be placed appropriately in bilateral relations and managed properly.

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'Hope India will work in same direction as China'

Mao pointed out that Beijing and New Delhi were in close communication through diplomatic and military channels.

"We hope India will work in the same direction as China, handle the bilateral relations from the strategic heights and long-term perspective, enhance mutual trust, stick to dialogue and cooperation, handle differences properly, and put the bilateral relations forward on sound and stable track," the Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson told reporters.

Relations between India and China have been frozen, except for trade ties, since the Ladakh border standoff erupted in early May 2020, after a violent clash in the Pangong Tso (lake) area. Till now, both countries have held 21 rounds of corps commander-level talks to resolve the standoff.

What did PM Modi say?

In an interview with Newsweek magazine, Indian Prime Minister Modi said that for India, the relationship with China is significant. "It is my belief that we need to urgently address the prolonged situation on our borders so that the abnormality in our bilateral interactions can be put behind us. Stable and peaceful relations between India and China are important for not just our two countries but the entire region and world," Modi said.

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"I hope and believe that through positive and constructive bilateral engagement at the diplomatic and military levels, we will be able to restore and sustain peace and tranquillity in our borders," he added.

(With inputs from agencies)