India-China Ties Surge Toward Cooperation
Wang Yi sees partnership, not rivalry, with India.
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, speaking after his meeting with External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar in New Delhi on Monday, declared that India-China relations are on a promising trajectory toward renewed cooperation. Arriving in India for a two-day visit, Wang emphasized that the two nations should view each other as partners, not rivals, as they mark the 75th anniversary of diplomatic ties. His remarks, reported by state-run Xinhua, come ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s anticipated visit to China for the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit in Tianjin, signaling a thaw in relations strained since the 2020 Galwan Valley clashes.
Wang’s visit, which includes the 24th round of Special Representatives (SR) dialogue on the boundary question with National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, underscores ongoing efforts to rebuild trust. Reflecting on the Eastern Ladakh standoff that froze ties for over four years, Wang urged both nations to learn from the past and focus on mutual respect and trust. He stressed that India and China, with a combined population of over 2.8 billion, should channel resources into development and revitalization, fostering a cooperative partnership that benefits both. The talks with Jaishankar highlighted a shared commitment to maintaining the positive momentum in bilateral relations.
The Chinese minister advocated for a strategic approach, urging both countries to remove barriers and expand cooperation. “We should pursue win-win cooperation and build a peaceful, prosperous home together,” Wang said, emphasizing principles of amity, sincerity, and inclusiveness. He noted that the revitalization of these two ancient civilizations could provide stability to Asia and the world. This vision aligns with recent steps, such as the resumption of the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra and India’s reissuance of tourist visas to Chinese nationals, reflecting a gradual restoration of ties.
Also Read: Jaishankar Calls 'Atmanirbharta' (Self-Reliance) India’s Shield in Uncertain Times
Wang also took a veiled swipe at the United States, criticizing “unilateral bullying practices” amid global challenges to free trade and international order. He positioned India and China as leaders of the Global South, urging them to champion multipolarization and democratic international relations. This comes as both nations navigate geopolitical shifts, including tensions with the U.S. over trade tariffs, which some analysts suggest are pushing New Delhi and Beijing closer. The SR dialogue with Doval, following their December 2024 meeting in Beijing, aims to sustain border peace and advance de-escalation along the Line of Actual Control (LAC).
The timing of Wang’s visit is significant, occurring just weeks before Modi’s planned trip to China on August 31 for the SCO summit, his first since 2018. The groundwork for this was laid during Modi’s October 2024 meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping in Kazan, where they agreed to revive dialogue mechanisms. Initiatives like resuming direct flights and border trade through passes like Lipulekh and Nathu La further signal a warming trend.
As both nations work to move beyond the 2020 standoff, Wang’s call for partnership over rivalry sets an optimistic tone for the future.
Also Read: Stalin Pressures Jaishankar After 14 Tamil Fishermen Jailed
