China is firm on its territorial integrity, values ties with India: Minister

BEIJING: China is firm on upholding its sovereign interests and territorial integrity, but at the same time values friendship with India, the county’s foreign minister has said.

The Doklam (Donglang) standoff between the border troops of the two countries was handled with restraint by China, Wang Yi said, adding that it reflected Beijing’s emphasis on bilateral ties.

Wang wrote on China’s foreign policy in the prestigious Chinese International Studies Journal last month, in which he touched upon the status of relations with India. The journal is published by China Institute of International Studies, a think-tank attached to the foreign ministry.

“We handled the Indian border troops trespass into China’s Dong Long area in our national interest, on just grounds and with restraint. Through diplomatic means, we engaged with the Indian side and it withdrew its equipment and personnel.”

“This demonstrates not only the value and emphasis we put on relations with India but also our sincerity and sense of responsibility in maintaining regional peace and stability,” he said.

“We believe as we continue to engage in in-depth strategic communication and promptly dispel strategic misgivings, the strategic value of China-India cooperation will speak for itself and there will be a prospect of ‘the Dragon and Elephant dancing together’ and 1+1=11 effect as expected by the leaders,” Wang said.