Time to take forward ties ‘without backsliding’, says China’s Foreign Minister - The Hindu

**China’s Foreign Minister Urges Steady Progress in India‑China Relations**

Beijing’s top diplomat, Wang Yi, told reporters at the BRICS summit in Johannesburg that both China and India must “take forward ties without backsliding,” emphasizing a shared commitment to deepening cooperation while avoiding the pitfalls of rivalry. The remarks came after Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi briefly paused his address to check on Chinese President Xi Jinping’s reaction to a proposed joint statement, underscoring the sensitivity of the bilateral dialogue at a time when both nations are navigating a complex geopolitical landscape. Wang highlighted that the “partners, not rivals” narrative, which has been a recurring theme in recent high‑level exchanges, reflects a mutual desire to manage border tensions, expand trade, and coordinate on global issues such as climate change and supply‑chain resilience.

At the same summit, China unveiled an ambitious blueprint for a BRICS‑wide open‑source artificial‑intelligence ecosystem and a coordinated push toward smart‑manufacturing standards. The plan envisions shared research platforms, joint funding for AI startups, and harmonised technical regulations that could accelerate technology transfer across member states. Indian officials, while welcoming the collaborative spirit, raised questions about the ecosystem’s governance, data‑privacy safeguards, and the extent to which Indian AI firms will be able to compete on equal footing with Chinese counterparts. Analysts note that India’s burgeoning digital economy and its own AI strategy could position it as a pivotal contributor, provided that the framework accommodates diverse regulatory environments and safeguards intellectual‑property rights.

Wang’s call for “steady, forward‑looking” ties signals an overt attempt by Beijing to cement a strategic partnership that balances competition with cooperation. The emphasis on AI and smart manufacturing reflects China’s broader drive to shape standards in emerging technologies, a move that could recalibrate the economic dynamics within BRICS and beyond. For India, the challenge will be to leverage the proposed collaborative platforms while preserving its policy autonomy and safeguarding domestic industries. Observers suggest that the coming months will test the durability of the “partners, not rivals” pledge, especially as both nations navigate divergent interests in the Indo‑Pacific and global trade architecture.