Delhi Statement: A Call for Unity Against Terrorism
In a significant diplomatic remark in Delhi, China’s Ambassador to India, Xu Feihong, said that both India and China are victims of terrorism and share common interests in fighting this global menace. Speaking on the growing need for cooperation, Xu highlighted that terrorism is not confined by borders and requires a collective response from nations.
He stated, “China and India both are victims of terrorism. We share common interests in the field of counter-terrorism. In fact, China and India have maintained communications on counter terrorism through mechanisms such as the SCO.”
The statement has drawn attention, given the often tense ties between the two neighbors on security and border-related issues.
Shared Pain: India and China as Victims of Terrorism
Over the years, both India and China have witnessed tragic incidents of terrorism.
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India has faced cross-border terrorism, including deadly attacks on civilians, security forces, and public places. The scars of the 26/11 Mumbai attacks and recurring militant strikes in Jammu and Kashmir are still fresh.
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China, too, has reported extremist violence in its Xinjiang region, where separatist movements have occasionally turned violent.
Ambassador Xu’s recognition of this shared pain reflects an attempt to build common ground between the two countries despite political differences.
The Role of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO)
Xu pointed out that the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) has been a key platform where India and China maintain communication on counter-terrorism. The SCO’s Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure (RATS) facilitates intelligence sharing, joint exercises, and coordination against extremist threats.
Both India and China are active members of the SCO, along with Russia, Pakistan, and Central Asian nations. By working together in this multilateral forum, Xu suggested, India and China can strengthen regional security and promote stability.
Global Security Initiative and India’s Role
The Ambassador also referred to China’s Global Security Initiative (GSI), which Beijing describes as a framework to address security challenges collectively. Xu expressed China’s readiness to collaborate with the international community, including India, to advance its implementation.
He stressed that the goal should be to address the root causes of terrorism while safeguarding both regional and global peace.
This outreach highlights China’s effort to position itself as a partner in addressing global challenges, even with countries it shares complex relationships with, such as India.
Significance for India-China Relations
Xu’s remarks come at a time when India and China continue to face challenges along the Line of Actual Control (LAC). The border standoff has cast a shadow over bilateral ties. Yet, counter-terrorism cooperation represents a field where both countries could find common purpose.
Security experts note that while differences remain, dialogue on shared threats could open avenues for rebuilding trust. For India, any engagement on counter-terrorism with China must align with its national interests and commitment to global peace.
Voices for Peace and Cooperation
Diplomatic observers see the Ambassador’s statement as an olive branch to shift focus toward cooperation rather than confrontation.
A retired Indian diplomat commented, “Terrorism affects all societies, regardless of politics. If India and China can find even limited cooperation in this area, it could send a strong signal regionally.”
For ordinary citizens, who bear the brunt of terrorism, such cooperation offers hope that human lives are valued above politics.
What Lies Ahead
The path forward will depend on how both nations navigate their differences on strategic and security matters. Cooperation on counter-terrorism could act as a confidence-building measure. However, it will require sincerity, transparency, and commitment from both sides.
As global terrorism networks grow more sophisticated, India and China face the challenge of balancing national interests with the need for collective action.
Conclusion
The words of China’s Ambassador Xu Feihong resonate with a universal truth: terrorism spares no nation. For India and China, two of the world’s most populous countries and rising powers, cooperation against this threat could pave the way for a more stable region.
Whether these remarks translate into tangible action remains to be seen. But one message is clear—fighting terrorism requires unity, not division.
