NEW DELHI: Members of the Indian community in China have raised significant concerns regarding the rise of anti-India content on Chinese social media, as well as issues surrounding the decline of work visas and employment restrictions for spouses. These discussions took place during an Open House organized by the Indian Embassy in Beijing.
The outreach event, conducted on Friday, featured interactions between Indian Ambassador Vikram Doraiswami and senior officials from the embassy, engaging with professionals from various sectors to discuss matters affecting the Indian community in China.
Participants expressed their apprehensions about what they termed a growing trend of derogatory posts aimed at Indians. This included comments on Indian culture and dietary habits. Moreover, they highlighted the declining number of work visas being issued by Chinese authorities and the difficulties spouses face in securing employment, as reported by PTI.
In his address, Ambassador Doraiswami acknowledged the Chinese authorities’ awareness of the uptick in such online content and mentioned that measures are being implemented to tackle it. He emphasized that the embassy is actively countering these narratives by disseminating verified, fact-based information through its official social media platforms.
Furthermore, the ambassador revealed that from next week, documentation requirements for Chinese citizens applying for Indian visas would be relaxed. This initiative aims to encourage a greater influx of travelers to India.
To enhance support for the Indian community, the embassy is actively developing a legal assistance framework for professionals encountering workplace-related challenges in China. Additionally, they plan to establish the Open House as a regular platform for addressing both consular and community-related issues.
Expanding cultural outreach is also on the agenda, with initiatives such as the Vasant Mela aimed at showcasing India’s rich cultural diversity and culinary heritage.
This engagement occurs against the backdrop of ongoing efforts by both New Delhi and Beijing to stabilize their bilateral relations. Doraiswami, who took office in May, has intensified diplomatic engagement with Chinese officials to foster better ties.
