Chinese Defence Attaché Thanks Indian Military for Rescuing Sailors, Calls for Greater Cooperation

China’s newly appointed Defence Attaché to India, Rear Admiral You Jian, has expressed gratitude to the Indian armed forces for rescuing 12 Chinese crew members from a burning container vessel off the Kerala coast in June 2025. He also called for stronger communication, mutual trust and cooperation between the armed forces of India and China as the two countries seek to stabilise bilateral relations.

Rear Admiral You made the remarks at a reception held in New Delhi on July 21, 2026, to mark the 99th anniversary of the founding of the Chinese People’s Liberation Army. He described India and China as important neighbours passing through critical stages of national development and rejuvenation.

The Chinese officer said bilateral relations had returned to a path of improvement under the strategic guidance of the leaders of the two countries. Referring to the maritime rescue operation, he said China would remember the assistance provided by the Indian military when a cargo vessel caught fire and exploded off Kerala.

The incident involved the Singapore-flagged container ship MV Wan Hai 503, which suffered a major container explosion and fire on June 9, 2025. The vessel was sailing from Colombo to Nhava Sheva with 22 crew members when the emergency occurred around 130 nautical miles northwest of Kochi.

The Indian Coast Guard immediately launched search, rescue and firefighting operations with ships and aircraft. Merchant vessels operating in the region were also coordinated through the Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre in Mumbai. Eighteen crew members were rescued, while four remained missing. Indian naval and Coast Guard personnel subsequently supported firefighting, salvage and towing operations as authorities worked to prevent the vessel from drifting towards the coast and creating a wider maritime hazard.

Rear Admiral You said the rescue of the Chinese sailors demonstrated the practical value of cooperation between the two countries. He called for continued communication through diplomatic and military channels, dialogue to strengthen confidence and greater cooperation in areas where India and China share common interests.

He also highlighted the role of the Indian and Chinese armed forces in United Nations peacekeeping missions. Both militaries, he said, had made significant contributions and sacrifices while supporting international peace and security. According to the Defence Attaché, the common interests shared by India and China were greater than their differences.

The remarks come as New Delhi and Beijing continue diplomatic and military engagements aimed at maintaining peace along the Line of Actual Control and rebuilding bilateral ties after years of tension. India has consistently maintained that peace and tranquillity in the border areas are essential for the normal development of the broader relationship.

Rear Admiral You’s acknowledgement of the Kerala rescue operation adds a humanitarian dimension to the evolving India–China relationship. Maritime emergencies require rapid coordination across national boundaries, particularly in the heavily travelled waters of the Indian Ocean. India’s response to the Wan Hai 503 fire demonstrated the operational reach of its maritime forces and their readiness to assist foreign nationals during emergencies at sea.

The public expression of gratitude also underlines the potential for practical cooperation between the two Asian powers in maritime safety, disaster response, search-and-rescue missions and United Nations peacekeeping. While major strategic and border-related issues continue to shape bilateral ties, such operations provide opportunities to build professional confidence and maintain communication between the two militaries.

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REFERENCES

News on AIR. “Chinese Defence Attaché Expresses Gratitude to Indian Military for Rescuing Crew from Cargo Ship Fire.” Akashvani, 22 July 2026.
https://www.newsonair.gov.in/chinese-defence-attache-expresses-gratitude-to-indian-military-for-rescuing-crew-from-cargo-ship-fire/

Press Information Bureau. “Indian Navy Undertakes Daring Aerial Insertion of Salvage Team Onboard MV Wan Hai 503.” Ministry of Defence, Government of India, 14 June 2025.
https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2136309

Press Information Bureau. “ICG, Navy & IAF Execute High-Risk Operation to Stabilise Fire-Hit Singaporean Vessel Off Kochi.” Ministry of Defence, Government of India, 14 June 2025.
https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2136319

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