Chinese FM says India should learn lessons from border standoff

China’s foreign minister said Wednesday he hopes India can “learn lessons” from a recently resolved border standoff and avoid such occurrences in the future, as the leaders of the two Asian giants prepare to meet next week for a summit in southeastern China.

Wang Yi, foreign minister made the statement at a briefing on the upcoming BRICS—Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa—summit next week which will be attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Chinese President Xi Jinping will chair the BRICS summit in China’s southeastern coastal city of Xiamen in Fujian Province from September 3 to 5.

Wang Yi’s remarks came after the countries agreed Monday to pull back their troops from a disputed Himalayan plateau where China, India, and Bhutanmeet.

“We’re hoping that their side will learn lessons from this incident and prevent some of the things from happening again. We hope that through the efforts of both sides we will maintain healthy and stable relations,” Wang said.

“On the border face-off caused by India’s trespassing, that has been settled,” he said.

“Media may have their own speculation. What is most important is the authoritative information released by the government. The information provided by (China’s) ministry of foreign affairs reflects the facts,” he said.

Wang added that now that the impasse had been resolved, both sides should work towards maintaining steady bilateral ties.

“We hope through the efforts of both sides will maintain healthy and stability momentum of growth for China India relations. This is not only in the interest of Indian and Chinese people but for the aspirations of the international community and neighbouring countries,” he said.

Wang said it was natural for India and China to have differences but those differences needed to be set aside.

“Both India and China are big countries. It is only natural there are some problems in our interactions. What is important is that we put these differences in an appropriate place and under the principle of mutual respect and following the consensus of our leaders, we need to handle and manage them properly,” he said.

Wang added: “In the meantime, through our engagement in different mechanisms, we need to work out a solution in the long run.”

The foreign minister spoke about the potential for development and cooperation between India and China.

“There is huge potential and space for cooperation between India and China. Such cooperation serves the interest of our two countries and peoples,” he said.

“We hope China and India will join hands and work together for the rejuvenation of Asia and for the development of our region and contribute our share to greater development,” Wang added.