'Some hope to profit from discord': Envoy flags 'China threat' hype in India

NEW DELHI: Chinese ambassador to India Xu Feihong on Thursday calling out attempts to amplify a "Beijing threat" narrative with respect to India and urged young people in both countries to adopt "objective and rational" views of each other.Speaking at the 4th China-India Youth Dialogue, the envoy said India and China, home to over 1.2 billion young people, have a shared responsibility to shape a more stable and cooperative relationship. He described the youth as the "most dynamic and creative force" and the backbone of efforts to advance national development goals and bilateral friendship. Emphasising that the two countries are neighbours that "cannot be moved apart”, Xu said it is in their mutual interest to be partners that support each other’s progress. "China and India are neighbors that cannot be moved apart. It should be the right choice for both sides to be good, neighbourly friends and partners that help each other succeed and realise the Dragon-Elephant tango," he said.The ambassador also cautioned against narratives that exaggerate differences between the two countries, saying some forces seek to profit from discord. "However, some people are unwilling to see China, 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," the envoy said.Pitching for stronger people-to-people ties, Xu invited more Indian youth to visit China to witness its development firsthand and contribute to building a more balanced and informed perception between the two societies.The remarks come amid ongoing efforts by both sides to stabilise ties, with a growing emphasis on cultural and youth exchanges as a pathway to rebuild trust.