Chinese envoy calls for strengthening Sino-Indian people-to-people relations

China and India must seek to strengthen people-to-people exchanges in the future to inject positive energy into bilateral ties, the Chinese envoy to New Delhi said in a video message on Monday while reiterating the need to build “bridges of trust and friendship”. between the two nations.

Relations between the two Asian neighbors have grown strained following last year’s border crisis and efforts are being made on both sides to get them back on track through dialogue. Coincidentally, China and India marked 70 years of establishing diplomatic ties last year.

“China and India are ancient civilizations with a history of friendly exchanges for more than 2,000 years. In the new era, we should actively explore new ways and channels to improve exchanges and mutual understanding and build relationships. bridges of trust and friendship, “Sun Weidong, said the Chinese Ambassador to India.

“I hope that we can organize more people-to-people exchange activities in the future to inject more positive energy into the development of bilateral relations,” he added.

Sun made the remarks by announcing the winner of an “Impressions of China” online photography competition organized by the Asian and African Languages ​​Program of China Media Group.

The competition’s first prize went to an entry titled “Dynamic splash of youth” by Pranab Basak, a 48-year-old engineer turned professional photographer from the town of Barrackpore in the eastern state of West Bengal. ‘India.

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The vivid photo “captured the joyful moment of a young Chinese girl leaping over the Great Wall, which not only shows China’s splendid ancient civilization, but also embodies the youthful vitality of the younger generation,” the envoy said. Chinese while congratulating the winner.

The contest drew an overwhelming response from Indians with a keen interest in China. This included Indian students studying in China, Chinese language enthusiasts studying in India, professional photographers in love with Chinese culture, travelers who have already taken a self-guided tour from South India to Beijing and another Indian group who made a special trip to Tibet for a mountain hike. .

“Through the magnificent photographs, you show China to your own eyes, strengthen mutual understanding and friendship between our two peoples, and send good wishes for Sino-Indian relations,” Sun said.

The Ambassador also sent his greetings for the Chinese Lunar New Year.

“The Chinese Spring Festival is coming soon. The upcoming Chinese New Year is the Year of the Ox. In Chinese culture, the beef is the symbol of dedication, diligence and pioneering spirit,” Sun said, noting that the Year of the Ox is a year of auspiciousness for the Chinese and Indian peoples.

“I wish you all a Happy Chinese New Year and make greater progress in the Year of the Ox,” he concluded.