Chinese Envoy Calls for Optimism and Youth-Led Diplomacy at Cultural Meet in Kolkata

By A Staff Reporter

Kolkata, June 8 — At a celebratory gathering for the 2025 Chinese Bridge Chinese Proficiency Competition in Kolkata, Chinese Ambassador to India Mr. Xu Feihong struck a hopeful note on the future of India-China relations. Addressing students, educators, and dignitaries at the awards ceremony, the ambassador emphasized the power of cultural exchange and youth engagement in reshaping bilateral ties.

“It’s a wonderful occasion for me to attend,” said Ambassador Xu. Noting the high level of Chinese proficiency demonstrated by Indian students, he remarked that such dedication reflects a promising future for relations between the two ancient civilizations. “If our young generation is so engaged, why shouldn’t we have a good relationship in the coming years?” he asked.

Ambassador Xu cited the “important consensus” reached by Chinese President Xi Jinping and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to promote stable and cooperative ties. He also underscored the ongoing work of both countries’ foreign ministries to implement this consensus through dialogue and cooperation.

Responding to a query about connectivity, Xu acknowledged the growing public demand for direct flights between China and India and expressed hope that progress on this front would come soon.

When asked about border tensions, he reaffirmed the long history of friendly exchanges between the two nations. “Only a very short time in our thousands of years of interaction involved differences,” he said. “We must believe that we have the wisdom to solve all the differences between our two sides.”