NEW DELHI – The new Chinese ambassador to India, Mr. Xu Feihong, has arrived in New Delhi, marking a significant diplomatic step by Beijing towards mending ties that have been strained due to prolonged border disputes.
Mr. Xu’s arrival comes 18 months after the departure of his predecessor, Sun Weidong, and is seen as Beijing’s initial move to restore relations with India. The two nations have experienced heightened tensions over their contested border, resulting in a deep-seated distrust in New Delhi regarding Beijing’s intentions.
Analysts acknowledge that while the appointment of a new envoy is a positive development, any substantial rapprochement between the two countries will be challenging. The enduring border issues, coupled with mutual suspicions, continue to cast a long shadow over diplomatic efforts.
Dr. Rajesh Kumar, a professor of International Relations at Jawaharlal Nehru University, commented on the situation, saying, “The arrival of Ambassador Xu is a crucial step towards re-engagement, but the road to normalizing relations is fraught with complexities. Both sides need to address the underlying issues with a pragmatic approach.”
The border clashes in recent years, particularly the violent encounter in the Galwan Valley in 2020, have significantly impacted bilateral relations. Since then, numerous rounds of military and diplomatic talks have yielded limited success in de-escalating the situation.
Indian officials have consistently emphasized the need for China to restore the status quo along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) and resolve the border dispute as a prerequisite for improving bilateral ties. In contrast, China has urged India to view the broader perspective of Sino-Indian relations and work together on common interests such as trade and regional stability.
The strategic rivalry between the two Asian giants extends beyond the border, influencing their respective foreign policies and regional alliances. India’s growing proximity to the United States and its participation in the Quad alliance (comprising India, the US, Japan, and Australia) is viewed with suspicion by Beijing, which perceives it as a counterbalance to its influence in the Indo-Pacific region.
Ambassador Xu’s tenure will undoubtedly involve navigating these complex geopolitical dynamics. In his initial statements, he expressed a commitment to strengthening Sino-Indian relations through dialogue and cooperation. “China and India are both ancient civilizations with much to offer each other. It is imperative that we find common ground and work towards mutual prosperity,” Xu stated.
The coming months will be critical in determining whether the new diplomatic engagement will lead to a thaw in relations or if the entrenched issues will continue to impede significant progress. Both nations have much at stake, and the global community will be closely watching how the two neighbors manage their intricate relationship.