Beijing: The long wait for Indian students could be over as the process has begun for Indian and other foreign students to return to China to resume their studies. China said today that the Chinese side has been working intensively for their return.
“We are confident in seeing the return of the first group of Indian students in the near future. Building on that, the Chinese side will further proceed with the return of other Indian students in a well-thought-out and orderly manner,” Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin told reporters here today. He informed that the departments responsible for this matter from both sides will continue their close communication on this.
“We kindly ask for your patience. There will be timely updates on that,” Wenbin replied when asked for an update about the stage of the process, and whether China prepared the first list of Indian students who would be allowed to return as part of the first batch. The Indian Embassy had shared the list with the Chinese authorities.
Meanwhile, responding to reports of India seeking to restrict Chinese smartphone makers from selling devices cheaper than 12,000 rupees or equivalent to US$150, apparently, to push Chinese companies out of the lower segment of the market, China urged the Indian side to “earnestly fulfil its commitment of openness and cooperation, and provide an open, fair, just and nondiscriminatory investment and business environment for Chinese companies”.
Wenbin stressed that China will “firmly support Chinese companies in defending their lawful interests and rights”. The Indian move is likely to deal a blow to Chinese companies like Xiaomi, it was pointed out.
– global bihari bureau
