China’s Ambassador to India, Xu Feihong, on cautioned against what he described as external attempts to drive a wedge between India and China, saying certain actors were amplifying differences and promoting a ‘China threat’ narrative for strategic gain.
“Some people are unwilling to see China and India live in harmony. They deliberately amplify our differences, hype up the so-called ‘China threat’, and hope to profit from discord between our two countries,” Xu said at a youth dialogue event in New Delhi.
Pitch for a reset led by youth engagement
Speaking at the 4th China-India Youth Dialogue, Xu positioned young people as central to rebuilding ties between the two Asian powers, calling for more “objective and rational” understanding between societies.
He urged Indian youth to visit China and engage directly, arguing that first-hand exposure could counter misinformation and entrenched perceptions.
“The future of the relationship rests on the shoulders of young people,” Xu said, framing people-to-people exchanges as a key stabiliser in bilateral ties.
Diplomatic thaw after high-level meetings
The envoy linked recent improvements in ties to meetings between Chinese President Xi Jinping and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, including interactions in Kazan and Tianjin.
According to Xu, these engagements have helped move relations from a “reset and fresh start” to a phase of gradual improvement, with increased exchanges across sectors.
New cooperation pitch: AI, digital economy, green tech
Beyond diplomacy, Xu outlined emerging areas of cooperation, particularly artificial intelligence, digital economy and green technology.
He pointed to China’s advances in AI models and robotics, and India’s policy push through the IndiaAI Mission, suggesting that collaboration in these sectors could become a new anchor for bilateral engagement.
“Youth should deepen exchanges in emerging fields and turn innovation into a driver of development,” he said.
Cultural links and soft power push
The ambassador also highlighted the growing presence of Chinese digital content, including online games, web series and literature, among Indian youth, describing cultural exchange as a bridge that can “transcend mountains and seas”.
He cited historical figures such as Rabindranath Tagore and Xuanzang to underline a long tradition of civilisational exchange between the two countries.
Global South framing and geopolitical signal
Positioning India and China as key players in the Global South, Xu called for closer coordination to counter unilateralism and safeguard the interests of developing countries.
He urged both nations to promote “peaceful coexistence and mutual learning” and prevent a return to what he described as a “law of the jungle” global order.
Read More: China says India and its growth are built on hard work, not generosity: Envoy
