India and China Should See Each Other as Opportunities, Not Threats: Beijing

China on Monday urged India and China to maintain the "right strategic perception" that they are partners rather than rivals, as Beijing reiterated its call for stronger cooperation and stable relations between the two Asian neighbours.

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian made the remarks while responding to comments by Russian President Vladimir Putin , who recently spoke about Moscow's ties with both New Delhi and Beijing during an interaction with heads of leading global news agencies, including PTI.

Lin said the China-India border situation was generally stable and that communication channels between the two countries remained smooth. He stressed that India and China should view each other as "cooperative partners, not competitors and rivals" and as opportunities for development rather than threats.

Calling for a strategic and long-term approach, Lin said both sides should enhance mutual trust , expand practical cooperation, properly manage differences and promote the steady development of bilateral relations. His remarks are consistent with a message repeatedly articulated by Chinese leaders since recent high-level engagements between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Xi Jinping, which Beijing says have helped improve ties.

Addressing concerns over China's close relationship with Pakistan, Lin said Beijing supports India and Pakistan in resolving differences through dialogue and consultation and jointly maintaining regional peace and stability .

On trilateral ties, Lin described India, China and Russia as major emerging economies whose healthy relations contribute to global peace and prosperity. He said China was willing to maintain communication with Russia and India on advancing trilateral cooperation .

Putin, meanwhile, praised Modi and Xi, saying Russia's partnerships with India and China had developed naturally and independently. He cautioned against outside interference in India-China relations and expressed confidence that the two leaders would continue efforts to address outstanding issues, including the border dispute, through dialogue.