3rd China-India Youth Dialogue marked the 75th anniversary of diplomatic ties between the two nations and served as a platform to foster engagement between young people from both countries.
The Chinese Ambassador to India, Xu Feihong, highlighted India’s contributions to the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) during his address at the 3rd China-India Youth Dialogue. The event marked the 75th anniversary of diplomatic ties between the two nations and served as a platform to foster engagement between young people from both countries.
Speaking at the event, Feihong acknowledged India’s role in the SCO since joining in 2017, stating, “China and India are both important members of SCO, BRICS, and G20. As the rotating presidency of SCO, China will host the SCO Summit this year, organising over 100 meetings and events under the theme ‘Upholding the Shanghai Spirit: SCO on the Move.’ Since joining the SCO, India has made significant contributions to its development. China is willing to collaborate with India and other member states to ensure a friendly, united, and productive summit.”
Taking to social media platform X, Feihong expressed his admiration for the engagement and enthusiasm of young participants at the event, calling it a “good start” to a series of celebrations marking 75 years of diplomatic ties. He reiterated the significance of the youth dialogue in bringing young people together to enhance mutual understanding and generate fresh ideas for strengthening bilateral ties.
During his address, Feihong put forward three key suggestions to further enhance China-India relations, with an emphasis on youth participation, cultural exchange, and mutual understanding.
Promoting Ties through Youth Engagement
The ambassador stressed that the future of China-India relations lies in the hands of the youth. He noted that young people in both countries are working towards ambitious national goals, such as the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation and India’s vision of ‘Viksit Bharat 2047.’ He urged young people to play an active role in improving bilateral ties.
Feihong stated, “This year, as we celebrate 75 years of diplomatic ties, we hope young people can contribute their wisdom and strength to China-India relations. We will continue to provide platforms for youth exchanges and expand cooperation in education, science and technology, culture, media, and sports.”
He also called on Indian authorities to ease travel restrictions for Chinese youth, enabling greater interaction between young people from both nations.
Strengthening Cultural and Educational Ties
Feihong highlighted the long-standing cultural exchanges between the two civilizations and urged young people to continue fostering these connections. “Friendship between people is the foundation of sound diplomatic relations,” he remarked, adding that mutual understanding between citizens is crucial for long-term cooperation.
Recognising the role of language in bridging communication gaps, he pointed out that more than 20 Chinese universities offer courses in Hindi, Tamil, and other Indian languages, while over 30 Indian universities provide Chinese language studies. He called for further collaboration in language education to nurture future advocates for China-India friendship.
“We welcome more young people to visit each other’s countries, plant the seeds of friendship, and strengthen the bond between our peoples,” he added.
Encouraging Accurate Perceptions and Media Exchange
The Chinese envoy also addressed the misperceptions that exist between the two countries, stating that some external forces attempt to create discord by exaggerating issues such as the so-called ‘China threat.’ He urged young people to adopt an open and rational approach when forming opinions about each other’s countries.
“Some Indian friends only learn about China through Western media, which often presents biased narratives. I hope young people do not fall into the trap of misinformation and instead seek a balanced perspective,” he said.
Feihong also advocated for the resumption of journalist exchanges between the two countries to facilitate better understanding through direct reporting. “We should restart resident journalist exchanges and utilise digital platforms to showcase the real China and India,” he added.
Ties at a Crossroads
The event was held against the backdrop of evolving diplomatic ties between China and India. In recent months, high-level interactions between both governments have indicated efforts to stabilise relations, even as long-standing border disputes and economic challenges persist.
The China-India Youth Dialogue, with its focus on youth-led initiatives, reflects an effort to move beyond political tensions and build grassroots-level engagement. By fostering collaboration in education, culture, and media, both countries aim to create a foundation for stronger ties in the future.
Feihong’s remarks underscored the Chinese government’s intent to work with India on multilateral platforms such as the SCO, BRICS, and G20 while promoting people-to-people exchanges as a means of strengthening bilateral relations. His call for youth engagement, cultural cooperation, and unbiased perceptions highlights key areas where China sees opportunities for deeper collaboration.
As China prepares to host the SCO Summit, the success of these initiatives will depend on reciprocal efforts from both sides. With the youth playing a pivotal role in shaping the future of China-India relations, fostering an environment of dialogue and cooperation will be crucial in determining the trajectory of diplomatic ties in the coming years.
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