China on Monday expressed appreciation for Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s “positive” remarks on Sino-Indian relations, emphasizing dialogue over discord during his recent podcast with US-based Lex Fridman. Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning, responding to Modi’s comments, hailed the October 2024 Modi-Xi Jinping meeting in Kazan, Russia, as a pivotal moment that has guided bilateral ties toward stability and growth.

Mao underscored the 2,000-year history of friendly exchanges between the two nations, noting their mutual learning enriched global civilization. “As the largest developing countries, China and India share the task of development and revitalization,” she said, adding that their partnership serves the 2.8 billion people of both nations, aligns with regional aspirations, and bolsters the Global South. Echoing Foreign Minister Wang Yi’s metaphor, she described a “cooperative pas de deux” between the dragon and elephant as “the only choice,” urging both sides to build on their 75th diplomatic anniversary for a stable future.

In the podcast, Modi highlighted the return of normalcy along the India-China border post-2020 Ladakh clashes, crediting his talks with Xi. He stressed ancient cultural ties, minimal historical conflict, and a shared economic legacy—once contributing over 50% of global GDP. “Differences are natural, but our efforts ensure they don’t become disputes,” he said, advocating cooperation as vital for global peace.

China’s warm response signals a thaw after years of tension, with both nations now framing their relationship as a partnership for mutual success.