China Softens Stance on India's UNSC Bid, Cites 'Respect for Aspirations'

• China now 'understands and respects' India's aspirations for a permanent UN Security Council seat, a significant shift.
• The position was conveyed by Chinese Executive Vice Foreign Minister Ma Zhaoxu to Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri.
• This rhetorical change comes amid efforts to stabilize India-China relations after years of strain.
• Both nations emphasize viewing each other as cooperative partners and development opportunities, not rivals.
• Discussions also covered border tranquility, trade, people-to-people exchanges, and multilateral cooperation including BRICS.