As India-Japan partnership deepens, China extends overture: 'We Are friends Not Rivals'

As India and Japan deepen their strategic partnership across defence, AI, critical minerals, energy security and the Indo-Pacific, China has struck a conciliatory tone towards New Delhi. Chinese Consul General Xu Wei said India and China are "friends, partners, not rivals" and expressed optimism about stronger bilateral ties. The remarks come amid India's expanding strategic engagement with Japan and continued diplomatic outreach to Beijing.