Image Credits: Indian Navy/X China’s newly appointed Defence Attache to India, Rear Admiral You Jian, has thanked the Indian military for rescuing 12 Chinese crew members from a cargo ship that caught fire and exploded off the coast of Kerala last June, saying Beijing “will not forget” the operation. Speaking at a reception marking the 99th anniversary of the founding of the Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA), You also called for closer communication and cooperation between the armed forces of India and China as ties between the two countries continue to improve. “We will not forget that, last June, the Indian Military rescued 12 Chinese crew members from a cargo ship that caught fire and exploded off the coast of Kerala,” You said. His remarks come as India and China continue efforts to improve bilateral relations following meetings between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping, as well as subsequent talks between senior officials from both countries. #WATCH | Delhi: On the 99th anniversary of the founding of the Chinese People’s Liberation Army, Defence Attaché of the People’s Republic of China Rear Admiral You Jian says, “The Indian military rescued 12 Chinese crew members from a cargo ship that caught fire and exploded off… pic.twitter.com/h84CHgelvq — ANI (@ANI) July 22, 2026 According to You, the two sides have held constructive and forward-looking discussions aimed at gradually normalising relations. The Indian Navy and the Indian Coast Guard jointly carried out the rescue operation after the cargo ship caught fire and exploded off Kerala’s coast, safely evacuating all 12 Chinese crew members. Addressing the gathering, You described India and China as important neighbours that are both at a critical stage of development and rejuvenation. “We are pleased to see that, under the strategic guidance of our leaders, China-India relations have returned to the correct path of improvement and