China and India continue to take giant leaps in solidifying their diplomatic relations, with the leaders of both countries emphasizing the need for cooperation rather than confrontation.
According to the Global Times, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi reiterated, "China has always believed that being mutually supportive partners and achieving the 'Dragon and Elephant Dance' is the only correct choice for both sides."
In the last year, relations between the two nations have been on an upward curve. One such moment came during the October 2024 Kazan, Russia, summit where Chinese President Xi Jinping and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi held talks that charted a strategic path to strengthen bilateral relations. "China-India relations have made positive strides over the last year," Wang said. Both sides have subsequently pursued their commitments vigorously, engaging in deepening diplomatic interaction and practical cooperation on many fronts.
One of the greatest breaks came in ending the long military stalemate in eastern Ladakh. India and China signed a historic agreement in late 2024 to disengage forces from Depsang and Demchok—two of the main friction points—ending effectively a four-year-long impasse in the region.
Continuing this momentum, Modi and Xi met again in Kazan on October 23 and decided to restore existing dialogue mechanisms. Thereafter, in December, National Security Advisor Ajit Doval met with Wang Yi in Beijing for the 23rd Special Representatives dialogue. Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri visited China in the subsequent month to hold talks with his counterpart, Sun Weidong, under the 'Foreign Secretary-Vice Minister' framework.
Notwithstanding previous tensions, Wang emphasized that border conflicts must not overshadow wider bilateral ties. "As two ancient civilisations, we have sufficient wisdom and ability to ensure peace and tranquillity in the border areas until a reasonable and fair solution is found," he said.
Wang also stressed that China and India, being the world's largest neighbors and major developing economies, ought to reciprocate with support instead of undermining each other. "There is every reason for us to support each other rather than undermine each other or undercut each other," he pointed out, highlighting the greater dividends of a symbiotic relationship.
Touching on international power relations, Wang insisted that both nations have a joint responsibility of fighting against external hegemonic powers. "As important members of the Global South, we have the responsibility to take the lead in opposing hegemonism and power politics," he said.
Together, he said, India and China could further the strength of the Global South and champion a more democratic world. "If China and India join hands, the possibility of greater democracy in international relations and the more potent Global South will become much enhanced," he said.
2025 will be the 75th anniversary of bilateral diplomatic relations between the two countries. Wang showed China's readiness to cooperate with India in summing up past experience and charting the way forward for future engagement. "China is willing to work with India to sum up past experience and chart a fast forward and push China-India relations onto the road of sound and stable development," he confirmed.
While difficulties remain, recent diplomatic exchanges indicate a move towards greater pragmatism. Both countries seem determined to talk, relax tensions, and create a future in which they can prosper as cooperative and powerful friends on the international stage.
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