New Delhi: Stability in India-China relations will help create a "multi-polar Asia" and a "multi-polar world", External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar told his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi in Manila, even as he raised the issues of fair market access for Indian exporters to create a balanced bilateral trade relationship and called for predictability in supply chains.In his opening remarks during their meeting in Manila, held nearly a year after their previous talks, Jaishankar said, "We believe that a stable and cooperative relationship can best be developed on the basis of mutual respect, mutual interest and mutual sensitivity. Such a relationship can make a valuable contribution to a multi-polar Asia and a multi-polar world."Also Read: No nation or grouping can tackle global volatility alone: S Jaishankar at India-ASEAN FMs' meetThe minister said it was natural that, as two large and important nations, and proximate neighbours, India and China would have their own particular interests. In this context, he recalled, "That is why our leaders had agreed that differences should not become disputes." He added that it was therefore the responsibility of diplomacy to properly manage those differences.Referring to the long-standing boundary dispute, Jaishankar said, "Peace and tranquility in the border areas is obviously the prerequisite for normal ties. Since October 2024, both sides have engaged to ensure that important objective. This will continue to need our constant attention.Relevant mechanisms in this domain must be given full support and strong encouragement." It may be recalled that during Wang Yi's visit to India in August 2025, several steps involving official mechanisms were announced to stabilise the Line of Actual Control.Also Read: Easy to become famous through social media, avoid online popularity: CJI Surya Kant to AoRsJaishankar welcomed the steps taken towards the normalisation of ties, including the resumption of direct flights, updating the visa regime, restarting the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra and the resumption of border trade. He also lauded China's support for India's BRICS presidency.The EAM simultaneously raised the issue of challenges in economic partnership. "...there are also important dimensions of our ties that need to be addressed. Fair market access and a trade balance rank high in that regard. There are also concerns about predictability of supply chains. We also need to agree on the meetings of various mechanisms and platforms as per our mutual priorities."India's trade deficit with China reached an all-time high of $112.16 billion in the 2025-26 fiscal year. Bilateral trade stood at $91.72 billion in the first half of 2026, with India importing $79.41 billion worth of goods and exporting goods worth $12.31 billion. India has been seeking greater access to the Chinese market, but with limited success so far. The weaponisation of supply chains by China has also shaped India's decision to seek resilient supply chains from trusted geographies.