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China This Week
Confirmed
In Short: China is intensifying its diplomatic efforts, with key meetings and summits scheduled in the coming weeks.
China is stepping up its diplomatic engagements, with a series of high-profile meetings and summits on the horizon. Chinese President Xi Jinping highlighted the importance of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) as a priority for Belt and Road cooperation during his speech at the recent summit in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan. This comes as China prepares for the upcoming BRICS summit in New Delhi, where leaders from Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa will convene from September 11 to 13.
The SCO summit, which concluded in Bishkek, saw the adoption of the "Bishkek Declaration," emphasizing the need to combat terrorism, including cross-border movements. The declaration underscores China's commitment to regional security and cooperation. Meanwhile, the Special Representatives (SRs) mechanism, established in 2003, continues to play a crucial role in exploring the framework for resolving the border issue between India and China. This mechanism, which was the subject of talks between Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and National Security Adviser Ajit Doval, remains a central component of India's approach to its ties with China.
Historically, the border question has been a core issue in India's relationship with China, with both sides advocating for a comprehensive resolution. The SCO summit also provided a platform for India to reaffirm its stance on combating terrorism, a position that has been consistent across various international forums. Ambassador Ashok Sajjanhar, a retired Indian Foreign Service officer, noted that it is too early to determine whether Prime Minister Narendra Modi will attend the next SCO summit in Pakistan in 2027.
During the SCO summit, Prime Minister Modi emphasized the importance of resolving conflicts through dialogue and diplomacy. This statement aligns with India's broader approach to managing its relations with China. The recent summit also saw a notable moment when Prime Minister Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin were seen traveling together in one car, a gesture that symbolizes the strengthening of ties between India and Russia.
In the context of the upcoming BRICS summit, India is expected to leverage its position to promote regional cooperation and address shared challenges. The summit provides a platform for leaders to discuss economic, political, and social issues, fostering a more integrated and cooperative approach among the BRICS nations. As China continues to engage in these diplomatic efforts, the SCO and BRICS summits will be key moments in shaping the future of regional and global relations.
What's confirmed
What's still developing
- For long, the border issue has remained a core component of how India chooses to conduct its ties with China, while China has often advocated for concurrently developing other aspects of the relationship, including trade.
- You would remember when some viral images emerged last year from the SCO summit meeting in Tianjin when Mr Putin and Mr Modi were travelling together in one car.