China expressed support for a successful BRICS Summit in India and conveyed it “understands and respects” India’s aspirations for United Nations Security Council (UNSC) membership, in a significant turnaround from its prior opposition to India’s bid for a permanent seat.
This comes amid Chinese Executive Vice Foreign Minister (EVFM) Ma Zhaoxu’s visit to India from February 8-10 for the BRICS Sherpa Meeting. He also held a Strategic Dialogue with Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri.
“The Chinese side expressed its support for a successful BRICS Summit in India. EVFM (Ma Zhaoxu) also conveyed that China understands and respects India’s aspirations for UNSC membership,” the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said in a statement.
Why is this ‘support’ from China significant?
Notably, when India made its application in 2022, China was the only permanent member that did not support India’s bid to become a member of the UNSC. In a response to the Lok Sabha on 22 July 2022, Minister of State for external affairs V Muraleedharan informed that four out of the five permanent UNSC members bilaterally expressed official affirmations of support for India’s candidature.
Notably, the UNSC comprises five permanent members and 10 non-permanent member countries which are elected for a two-year term by the General Assembly of the UN. The five permanent members — China, France, Russia, the United Kingdom, and the United States — have veto power over all resolutions.
Apart from India, Brazil, Germany, Japan and South Africa are other top contenders for permanent membership at the international peace and security body.
Discussions around bilateral, regional, and international affairs
India and China on Tuesday underlined the importance of peace and tranquility in the border areas for overall progress in bilateral relations during the Strategic Dialogue held in the national capital.
According to a statement from the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), the two sides exchanged views on a wide range of issues across bilateral, regional, and international affairs, with discussions primarily focusing on recent progress in stabilizing and rebuilding bilateral ties and on ways to advance engagement.
Both sides reiterated their commitment to implement guidance from their leaders, including the need to approach bilateral issues, particularly trade-related concerns, from a political and strategic perspective.
“Both sides underlined the importance of peace and tranquility in the border areas for overall progress in bilateral relations. They reiterated their commitment to implement the guidance provided by their leaders including on the need to proceed from a political and strategic direction to approach issues and concerns related to bilateral trade,” the statement said.
During the dialogue, Foreign Secretary Misri noted the successful resumption of the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra and expressed hope for its continued expansion.
Both sides also recognized the need to conclude an updated Air Services Agreement at an early stage and agreed to continue taking practical steps to facilitate visa processing and promote people-to-people exchanges.
The discussions also covered multilateral cooperation, including during India’s BRICS Chairmanship this year.
Key Takeaways
- China’s support for India’s UNSC bid signals a potential thaw in bilateral relations.
- The discussions emphasize the importance of peace at the border for mutual progress.
- Multilateral cooperation, especially under India’s BRICS Chairmanship, is a focal point for both nations.
