Chinese Diplomat Advocates for Stronger India-China Ties, Highlights 'Chini-Hindi Bhai Bhai' Spirit
In a significant diplomatic outreach, Qin Jie, the Consul General of China for the Mumbai region, has emphasized the need to restore trust and strengthen bilateral relations between India and China. Speaking at the sidelines of the Advantage Vidarbha Khasdar Audyogic Mahotsav in Nagpur, Jie pointed to the phrase 'Chini-Hindi Bhai Bhai' embossed on his business card, noting a spelling correction to 'Bhai' as a symbolic gesture of camaraderie.
Call to Ease Press Note 3 and Restore Pre-Covid Business Levels
Jie subtly referenced India's Press Note 3, a government policy amendment that mandates approval for foreign direct investments from countries sharing borders with India, including China. He expressed hope for its easing, stating, "Any conflict between us is just colonial baggage. Of course, there have been recent reports that Press Note 3 would be eased, and China hopes it will happen soon." He urged both nations to rebuild trust, aiming to return business ties to pre-Covid levels, which he views as crucial for economic cooperation.
Enhancing People-to-People Interactions and Cultural Exchanges
The Consul General highlighted the importance of faster visa processing to facilitate better people-to-people interactions. "There needs to be more visits by artists, intellectuals, and thinkers between the two countries to bring us closer," he said. Jie cited a collaborative project between Nagpur-based Manganese Ore India Limited (MOIL) and China Coal No3, involving 70 Chinese and 70 Indian workers, as a perfect example of the 'Chini-Hindi Bhai Bhai' spirit in action. He emphasized that such partnerships foster mutual understanding and teamwork.
Proposal for Sister City Partnership Between Nagpur and Jinan
Jie revealed plans to anoint Jinan as a sister city for Nagpur, a concept that emerged after Chinese President Xi Jinping's visit to India in 2014. He explained, "Like Nagpur, Jinan too is landlocked. The idea is to foster ties with cultural exchanges between the two cities." This initiative aims to build on existing sister city relationships, such as Shanghai with Mumbai, to promote cultural and economic synergies based on shared characteristics.
Focus on Indo-Chinese Cooperation Amid Global Dynamics
When queried about the US-India tariff deal, Jie preferred to concentrate on Indo-Chinese cooperation. He stated, "There needs to be more cooperation in business and cultural fronts. That is what China is looking forward to at the coming BRICS summit that will be held in India." He noted that Indian corporates already have a presence in China, indicating ample scope for collaboration across various sectors, from technology to trade.
In summary, Qin Jie's remarks underscore a diplomatic push to mend ties, leveraging cultural exchanges, business partnerships, and policy adjustments to reignite the historic 'Bhai Bhai' spirit between India and China.
