Chinese Ambassador to India Xu Feihong, addressing the 3rd China-India Youth Dialogue on Tuesday, lauded India’s significant contributions to the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) since becoming a member in 2017. The event also marked the 75th anniversary of China-India diplomatic relations.
“India has made important contributions to the development of the SCO,” Xu said, highlighting China’s rotating presidency of the organization and the upcoming SCO Summit under the theme “Upholding the Shanghai Spirit: SCO on the move.”
The envoy emphasized the importance of youth in shaping bilateral relations, presenting three key suggestions:
- Promote China-India Relations:
- Youth should be catalysts in improving ties, contributing to initiatives like Viksit Bharat 2047 and the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation.
- Xu called for increased cooperation in education, technology, culture, media, and sports and urged India to facilitate Chinese youth visits.
- Strengthen Cultural Bonds:
- Recalling the long-standing historical ties, Xu urged youth to “carry the baton” of friendship and foster people-to-people exchanges.
- Over 20 Chinese universities offer courses in Indian languages (Hindi, Tamil), while 30 Indian universities teach Chinese, reinforcing language as a bridge for communication.
- Correct Perceptions & Combat Misinformation:
- Xu criticized negative stereotypes and urged youth to maintain a “rational mindset” beyond Western media biases.
- He advocated for the resumption of journalist exchanges and enhanced use of social media to foster understanding between both nations.
The ambassador concluded by emphasizing the importance of youth-driven diplomacy in building a community with a shared future for mankind.