China acknowledges India’s UNSC bid, says it ‘understands and respects’ New Delhi’s aspirations

The national flags of India (L) and China are seen outside the Meijiang Meijiang Convention and Exhibition Center during the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit in Tianjin on August 31, 2025. (Photo by WANG Zhao / AFP)

China’s Executive Vice Foreign Minister Ma Zhaoxu said Beijing understands and respects India’s aspirations for permanent UNSC membership, marking a shift amid efforts to stabilize ties. Both sides discussed border stability, trade, and cooperation at BRICS.

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A senior Chinese official on Monday said Beijing understands and respects India’s aspirations for permanent membership of the United Nations Security Council, a significant statement amid cautious efforts by both sides to stabilise bilateral ties after years of strain. This marks a notable rhetorical shift from Beijing’s long-standing posture on India’s global ambitions.

According to an official readout, China’s Executive Vice Foreign Minister Ma Zhaoxu conveyed the position during talks with Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri in New Delhi on February 10. The meeting took place on the sidelines of the BRICS Sherpa Meeting being hosted by India.

“China understands and respects India’s aspirations for UNSC membership,” Ma told Misri, the Ministry of External Affairs said in a statement.

The two sides held the India-China Strategic Dialogue and exchanged views on a wide range of bilateral, regional and international issues. Discussions focused primarily on recent progress in stabilising and rebuilding ties and on identifying ways to take bilateral engagement forward.

Both sides underscored the importance of peace and tranquillity along the Line of Actual Control, reiterating that stability in border areas remains essential for overall progress in India-China relations. They also reaffirmed their commitment to follow the political and strategic guidance provided by their leaders, including the need to address bilateral trade issues from a broader strategic perspective.

During the talks, Misri noted the successful resumption of the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra and expressed hope that its scale could be further expanded. Both sides agreed on the need for early conclusion of an updated Air Services Agreement and committed to taking practical steps to facilitate visas and promote people-to-people contacts.

Multilateral cooperation was also discussed, particularly in the context of India’s BRICS chairship this year. The Chinese side expressed support for a successful BRICS Summit to be hosted by India.

For over two decades, China has acted as a consistent impediment to New Delhi’s diplomatic efforts at the United Nations, particularly on counterterrorism and UNSC-related matters, often shielding Pakistan-based terror actors and frustrating Indian initiatives.