China and India are making notable progress in strengthening their diplomatic relationship, with leaders from both nations emphasising the need for cooperation over conflict. According to a Global Times report, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi stated, “China has always believed that being mutually supportive partners and achieving the ‘Dragon and Elephant Dance’ is the only correct choice for both sides.”
Hindi-Chini Bhai Bhai 2.0 | ‘Dragon & Elephant Must Dance Together’
Why In News
- China and India are making notable progress in strengthening their diplomatic relationship, with leaders from both nations emphasising the need for cooperation over conflict. According to a Global Times report, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi stated, “China has always believed that being mutually supportive partners and achieving the ‘Dragon and Elephant Dance’ is the only correct choice for both sides.”
- Over the past year, relations between the two countries have seen positive developments. A key moment was the October 2024 meeting in Kazan, Russia, where Chinese President Xi Jinping and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi held talks that provided strategic direction for improving ties. “China-India relations have made positive strides over the past year,” Wang said. Both sides have since actively followed through on their commitments, strengthening diplomatic engagement and practical cooperation at multiple levels.
Border Tensions And Resolution
- One of the most significant breakthroughs was the resolution of the prolonged military standoff in eastern Ladakh. Late last year, India and China finalised an agreement to withdraw troops from Depsang and Demchok, the last two points of friction in the region, ending a four-year impasse.
- Following this, Modi and Xi held further discussions in Kazan on October 23, where they decided to revive existing dialogue mechanisms. In December, National Security Advisor Ajit Doval and Wang Yi met for the 23rd Special Representatives dialogue in Beijing. A month later, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri travelled to China for talks with his counterpart Sun Weidong under the ‘Foreign Secretary-Vice Minister’ framework.
- Despite past tensions, Wang emphasised that border issues should not define the overall relationship. “As two ancient civilisations, we have enough wisdom and capability to maintain peace and tranquillity in the border areas pending a fair and reasonable solution,” he said.
A Shared Vision For The Future
- Wang reiterated that China and India, as the world’s largest neighbours and leading developing economies, should be partners in each other’s success. “There is every reason for us to support each other rather than undermine each other or undercut each other,” he stated, highlighting the broader benefits of cooperation.
- He also addressed global power dynamics, stating that both nations have a responsibility to counter external hegemonic influence. “As important members of the Global South, we have the responsibility to take the lead in opposing hegemonism and power politics,” he said.
- By working together, he suggested, India and China could strengthen the Global South’s influence and push for greater democratisation in international affairs. “If China and India join hands, the prospect of greater democracy in international affairs and the stronger Global South will improve greatly,” he said.
Jaishankar Thinks Otherwise
- The remarks from Wang Yi came a day after External Affairs Minister Jaishankar gave his take on the current status of India-China relations. While speaking at a panel discussion in the Chatham House in London, the Indian foreign minister said that India wants stable relations with China in which New Delhi’s interests are “respected and sensitivities” are recognised.
- “The key issue is how to create a stable equilibrium and transition into the next phase of equilibriums. We want a stable relationship where our interests are respected, our sensitivities are recognized, and where it works for both of us. That is the main challenge in our relationship,” Jaishankar averred.
- The Indian diplomat noted that over the past 40 years, it has been established that peace and tranquillity in the borders would ultimately bolster ties between the two nations. “If the border is unstable, not peaceful, or not tranquil, it will inevitably affect the growth and direction of our relationship,” he said.
