China Calls for Stronger Ties with India: ‘Dragon & Elephant Must Dance Together
China Calls for Stronger Ties with India: ‘Dragon & Elephant Must Dance Together; China and India are taking big strides in improving their diplomatic relationship, with leaders from both nations emphasizing teamwork over tensions. Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, as reported by the Global Times, highlighted this vision, stating, “China has always believed that the best way forward for both countries is to support each other and make the ‘dragon and elephant dance’ a reality.” This sentiment reflects a shared commitment to cooperation rather than competition.
India-China Relations: A Year of Progress and Cooperation
Over the past year, India and China have made meaningful progress in their relationship. A major milestone was the October 2024 meeting in Kazan, Russia, where Chinese President Xi Jinping and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi met to set the stage for stronger ties. Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi highlighted that the relationship between China and India has seen encouraging progress in the past year. Both countries have since actively pursued their commitments, strengthening diplomatic ties and fostering cooperation across multiple levels.
Border Tensions and a Step Towards Resolution
One of the most significant breakthroughs was resolving the prolonged military standoff in eastern Ladakh. Late last year, India and China agreed to withdraw troops from Depsang and Demchok, the last two friction points, effectively ending a four-year-long deadlock.
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Following this, Modi and Xi continued discussions in Kazan on October 23, focusing on reviving dialogue mechanisms. In December, National Security Advisor Ajit Doval and Wang Yi met in Beijing for the 23rd Special Representatives dialogue. Just a month later, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri traveled to China for diplomatic talks with his counterpart Sun Weidong under the ‘Foreign Secretary-Vice Minister’ framework.
Despite past tensions, Wang stressed that border issues should not define the broader India-China relationship. “As two ancient civilizations, we have the wisdom and ability to maintain peace in border areas while working toward a fair resolution,” he said.
A Vision for the Future (Hindi-Chini bhai bhai 2.0?)
Wang highlighted that India and China, as the world’s most populous neighbors and leading developing economies, should support each other’s growth rather than compete destructively. “There is every reason for us to be partners rather than rivals,” he stated, emphasizing the potential benefits of cooperation.
He also touched upon global power dynamics, arguing that both nations share a responsibility to push back against external hegemonic influence. “As key players in the Global South, we must lead efforts to counter hegemonism and power politics,” he remarked.
By collaborating, Wang suggested, India and China could enhance the Global South’s role in global governance and advocate for a more democratic international order. “If China and India collaborate, the chances of creating a more inclusive global governance system and a stronger Global South will greatly increase,” he added.
Marking 75 Years of Diplomatic Ties (China Calls for Stronger Ties with India)
The year 2025 will be a special milestone as it celebrates 75 years of diplomatic ties between India and China. Wang expressed China’s willingness to collaborate with India to build on past experiences and open new avenues for cooperation. “China is ready to work with India to reflect on our shared history and take our relations towards stable and constructive development,” he affirmed.
While challenges persist, recent diplomatic efforts suggest a shift toward pragmatism. Both countries appear committed to maintaining open dialogue, reducing tensions, and forging a future where they can coexist as strong and cooperative partners.
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