Border issue with India won't be linked with bilateral ties, says Chinese official

"Meanwhile I need to stress that the border issue shall not be linked with bilateral relations," said Zhao Lijian, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson, during a press conference on Friday when asked to comment on a recent address on India-China relations delivered by External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar.

"This is also an important lesson learned through the two countries' efforts over the past decades to keep our ties moving forward. We hope the Indian side will work with us to properly manage differences, promote practical cooperation, and get the bilateral relations back on the right track," he said.

Speaking at the 13th All Indian Conference of China Studies, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Thursday was quoted as saying by ANI that the relationship between India and China were at a 'crossroads' and choices made by the two countries will have "profound repercussions" for the entire world.

"Experiences of the past have taught us the importance of stabilising our relationship (with China) even while adjusting to changes. From that, we can seek proper guidance that will be to the benefit of both nations," he said.

India and China were engaged in a major border standoff last year amid COVID-19 pandemic.

As many as 20 Indian soldiers were killed in the standoff while the casualty on the Chinese side was not divulged by Beijing.