China Marks 76th Anniversary, Stresses Growth, SCO Role and Stronger India Ties

By A Staff Reporter : China commemorated the 76th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China with an event in Kolkata that underscored Beijing’s economic achievements, global initiatives, and renewed engagement with India.

Acting Consul General Qin Yong, representing Consul General Xu Wei, addressed an audience that included Narayan Swaroop Nigam, Principal Secretary of the Health and Family Welfare Department, Government of West Bengal; Nadimul Haque, Member of Parliament, Rajya Sabha; and Barun Kumar Ray, Additional Chief Secretary, Non-Conventional & Renewable Energy Sources Department, Government of West Bengal, along with members of the Consular Corps.

Qinemphasized China’s GDP growth of 5.3% in the first half of 2025, advancements in artificial intelligence, green energy, and manufacturing, and the role of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization’s Tianjin Summit, which he described as the most fruitful in its history. He also highlighted President Xi Jinping’s Global Governance Initiative, focused on equality, rule of law, and multilateralism.

Marking the 75th year of China-India diplomatic relations, Qin said bilateral cooperation had “restarted” since the Kazan meeting between leaders in 2024. He noted that bilateral trade reached USD 102 billion between January and August, while more than 26 lakh visas were issued to Indian citizens this year. He also pointed to resumed pilgrimages to Tibet and India reopening tourist visas for Chinese nationals.

Qin recalled Kolkata’s historic links with China, from early immigration to Rabindranath Tagore’s cultural exchanges and Dr. Bejoy Kumar Basu’s medical service in China. He pledged deeper cooperation in trade, culture, and youth exchanges between eastern India and China, and extended wishes for enduring friendship, good health, and a joyful Durga Puja.