Our Bureau
Beijing
China on Thursday described its economic and trade cooperation with India as “mutually beneficial and win-win in nature”, while calling on New Delhi to provide a fair, just, transparent and non-discriminatory business environment for Chinese companies operating in the country.
According to Global Times, at the press briefing, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun made the remarks when asked about media reports that India’s Serious Fraud Investigation Office (SFIO) had recommended an investigation into Chinese smartphone maker Xiaomi.
“I am not aware of the specific situation,” Guo said, while adding that China hopes India will provide a “fair, just, transparent and non-discriminatory business environment” for companies from all countries investing and operating in India.
“China-India economic and trade cooperation is mutually beneficial and win-win in nature,” he said.
The remarks by the Chinese Foreign Ministry come after media reports had surfaced about proposed investigation calls for scrutiny by India’s Serious Fraud Investigation Office of Xiaomi.
Meanwhile, Chinese President Xi Jinping will attend the 18th BRICS Summit in the national capital from September 12 to 13, the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed on Thursday, setting the stage for a closely watched India-China engagement on the sidelines of the major multilateral gathering.
According to a statement issued by the Chinese Foreign Ministry, President Xi will travel to India at the invitation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the summit.
“At the invitation of Prime Minister of the Republic of India Narendra Modi, President Xi Jinping will attend the 18th BRICS Summit in New Delhi from September 12 to 13,” the statement read.
The confirmation comes after weeks of anticipation over Beijing’s representation at the summit and amid signs of renewed diplomatic engagement between New Delhi and Beijing.
India is hosting the 18th BRICS Leaders’ Summit on September 12 and 13 at Bharat Mandapam, with the expanded grouping expected to deliberate on issues ranging from trade and financial cooperation to technology, artificial intelligence, energy security, climate action and reforms of global institutions.
Xi’s visit is particularly significant, as it would mark his first trip to India since his informal meeting with Prime Minister Modi in Mamallapuram in 2019 for the 2nd India-China Informal Summit.
The visit also comes against the backdrop of efforts by the two sides to stabilise bilateral ties following years of tensions along the Line of Actual Control.