China on Monday said it “appreciates” Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent positive remarks on India-China relations, reaffirming its willingness to strengthen diplomatic ties and cooperation.

In a conversation with US-based podcaster Lex Fridman, released on Sunday, PM Modi stressed that efforts are being made to prevent differences between the two nations from escalating into conflicts, highlighting dialogue as key to resolving issues.

PM Modi underscored that cooperation between India and China is essential for global stability and prosperity, promoting healthy competition rather than conflict.

“Dialogue is the key to building a stable and cooperative relationship that benefits both nations,” he said.

Responding to PM Modi’s remarks, China’s Foreign Ministry said that Chinese President Xi Jinping and PM Modi had provided strategic guidance for improving bilateral relations during their successful meeting in Kazan last October.

“We appreciate Prime Minister Modi’s recent positive remarks on China-India relations. Last October, President Xi Jinping and Prime Minister Modi met successfully in Kazan and provided strategic guidance for improving and developing China-India relations. Recently, both sides have earnestly implemented the important consensus reached by the leaders, strengthened exchanges and practical cooperation at all levels, and achieved a series of positive results,” Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said during a regular media briefing in Beijing.

Mao Ning highlighted the historical ties between India and China, noting that the two nations have engaged in friendly exchanges for over 2,000 years, contributing to global civilization and human progress.

“As the two largest developing countries, both sides should strive to support each other’s development and revitalization. This would benefit more than 2.8 billion people, meet regional expectations, and promote global peace, stability, and prosperity,” she added.

Mao Ning further stated that China believes both countries should cooperate and work toward mutual success. She emphasized that China is committed to implementing the consensus reached between the leaders and sees the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations as an opportunity to enhance cooperation at all levels.

During his interview, PM Modi acknowledged that differences between neighbours are natural but stressed the importance of preventing them from turning into disputes. He noted that tensions at the border, which arose in 2020, have eased following his recent meeting with President Xi, and efforts are underway to restore conditions to pre-2020 levels.

PM Modi expressed optimism that trust and cooperation between India and China would gradually strengthen, fostering long-term stability and prosperity.