【By Observer Net, Zhang Jingjuan】China-India relations have been gradually warming up recently. According to the "Hindustan Times", citing Indian officials, on October 21st local time (during India's traditional festival of Diwali), Chinese and Indian soldiers exchanged candies at multiple border points along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) as a gesture of goodwill.

On the same day, the spokesperson of the Chinese Embassy in India also posted on the social platform "X" stating that the exchange of candies "demonstrated both sides' goodwill."

After the 2020 China-India border clash, the Indian government took tough measures, restricting diplomatic and economic exchanges between the two countries. Since then, the tradition of exchanging candies between the two armies during festivals and other important national memorial days had been interrupted for several years.

According to reports, Indian officials mentioned that last year during Diwali, the Chinese and Indian forces disengaged from two "friction points," removed temporary outposts, and then exchanged candies at five border personnel meeting points (BPM) along the Line of Actual Control (LAC).

The "Times of India" (TOI) pointed out that this latest development has taken place as China-India relations have gradually improved over the past few months. This round of progress comes against the background of a shift in trade and diplomatic priorities, especially after the U.S. imposed a 50% tariff on Indian exported products.

Spokesperson of the Chinese Embassy in India posted on the social platform, screenshot

It is worth noting that the thawing of China-India relations is reflected in areas such as consensus on border management, frequent high-level visits, gradual recovery of economic and trade exchanges, and resumption of cultural and people-to-people exchanges.

In March this year, Hong Liang, Director of the Department of Boundary and Maritime Affairs of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, co-hosted the 33rd meeting of the China-India Border Affairs Consultation and Coordination Mechanism with Dai Guolan, Joint Secretary of the East Asia Department of the Indian Ministry of External Affairs, in Beijing. Both sides, with a positive, constructive, and forward-looking attitude, comprehensively and deeply exchanged views on implementing the consensus reached at the 23rd meeting of the Special Representatives on the China-India Boundary Issue held in December 2024 on boundary negotiations, border management, mechanism building, cross-border exchanges and cooperation, agreed to take practical and effective measures to continue maintaining peace and stability in the China-India border area, and actively prepare for the 24th meeting of the Special Representatives on the China-India Boundary Issue.

On July 23, Dai Guolan co-hosted the 34th meeting of the China-India Border Affairs Consultation and Coordination Mechanism in New Delhi, India. Both sides positively evaluated the progress made in border situation control since last year, and agreed to maintain communication through diplomatic and military channels to jointly safeguard the peace and stability of the border area.

On August 19, the 24th meeting of the Special Representatives on the China-India Boundary Issue was held in New Delhi. The two sides exchanged views on early gains in boundary negotiations, reaffirmed their commitment to fully leverage the role of the Special Representatives meeting mechanism, and explored fair, reasonable, and mutually acceptable solutions in accordance with the political guiding principles achieved in 2005, based on mutual respect and understanding. At the same time, they strengthened the routine management of the border and jointly maintained the peace and stability of the border area. Both sides agreed to hold the 25th meeting of the Special Representatives on the China-India Boundary Issue in China next year.

At the beginning of this month, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed that direct flights between China and India will be restored before the end of October this year. Fu Jia Kun, spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, stated at a regular press conference that China is willing to work with India to view and handle China-India relations from a strategic height and long-term perspective, be good neighbors and friendly friends, partners who achieve each other's success, realize "dragon and elephant dancing," and bring more benefits to the people of both countries, making due contributions to maintaining peace and prosperity in Asia and the world.

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Original: https://www.toutiao.com/article/7564294466207564339/

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