China on Friday said it appreciates External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar's suggestions to further the ties between the two countries. China’s Foreign Ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian while responding to a question on Dr. Jaishankar’s address to the 13th All India Conference of China Studies, at a daily media briefing said that his remarks showed that India attached importance to its ties with China. He said, “We have noted Minister Jaishankar's remarks and we appreciate this.” 

In his address on Thursday, EAM Dr. Jaishankar outlined eight broad principles and three "mutuals" to mend strained ties between India and China, and said the two countries are truly at crossroads and their choices will have profound repercussions, not just for them but for the entire world. The minister said the developments in eastern Ladakh last year brought the relationship under "exceptional stress" and India is yet to receive a credible explanation for the change in China's stance or reasons for amassing troops in the border areas. 

The two countries are locked in a military standoff in eastern Ladakh since May 5 last. India and China have held several rounds of military and diplomatic talks to resolve the ongoing face-off in eastern Ladakh, but no results have been achieved so far.

The Chinese spokesperson hoped that both the sides will work with us to properly manage the differences, promote practical cooperation and bring bilateral relations back on track.