After an 18-month hiatus, Chinese President Xi Jinping has appointed senior diplomat Xu Feihong as the new ambassador to India. The appointment comes at a critical time, with ongoing border tensions between the two countries.
Meet Xu Feihong
Xu Feihong, a 60-year-old seasoned diplomat, was serving as assistant minister for financial and administrative affairs in the Chinese foreign ministry prior to his appointment. With 37 years of experience in diplomacy, Xu has held various diplomatic posts, including ambassadorships to Afghanistan and Romania.
Background and Specialisation
While Xu’s tenure in South Asia was limited to his ambassadorship in Afghanistan from 2010 to 2013, he has extensive experience in the Western world, particularly Europe. His postings ranged from Finland to Australia, showcasing his specialisation in European affairs.
Successor to Sun Weidong
Xu Feihong succeeds veteran Chinese diplomat Sun Weidong, who completed his term as ambassador to India in October 2022. Sun Weidong’s tenure was marked by heightened tensions between India and China, notably following border clashes in eastern Ladakh.
Border Tensions
The appointment of Xu Feihong comes amidst lingering tensions between India and China, exacerbated by a military standoff along their shared border. The standoff, which began in April-May 2020, led to clashes in the Galwan Valley, resulting in casualties on both sides.
Diplomatic Efforts
Since the Galwan Valley incident, India and China have engaged in numerous rounds of military-level and foreign office talks to address the border dispute. However, tensions persist, particularly in areas like Depsang and Demchok, hindering the restoration of normalcy in bilateral relations.
India’s Stance
India has reiterated its demand for the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) to disengage from disputed areas along the border. India maintains that a resolution to the border issue is essential for the normalization of relations with China.
As Xu Feihong assumes his role as China’s ambassador to India, all eyes are on the diplomatic efforts to de-escalate tensions and foster stability in the region. His appointment underscores the importance of dialogue and diplomacy in addressing complex geopolitical challenges between the two Asian giants.
