China welcomed Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent remarks advocating dialogue over discord in India-China relations on Monday. Beijing praised Modi’s remark as “positive” and stressed that cooperation between the two nations, often compared to a synchronized dance between the elephant and the dragon, is the key to mutual success.

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning acknowledged PM Modi’s statements and emphasized the historical ties between the two nations. “Let me stress that in the 2000 plus years’ history of interactions, the two countries have maintained friendly exchanges” and both the countries learned from each other contributing to civilisational achievements and human progress,” she stated.

PM Modi Highlights Improved India-China Border Situation

PM Modi, in his interview with American podcaster Lex Fridman, touched upon the situation at the India-China border, reiterating that normalcy has been established after he held talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping. The Indian Prime Minister stressed that his administration is dedicated to ensuring differences don’t lead to disputes.

“Our focus is to ensure that these differences don’t turn into disputes. That’s what we actively work toward. Instead of discord, we emphasise dialogue, because only through dialogue can we build a stable, cooperative relationship that serves the best interests of both nations,” PM Modi said.

Chinese authorities confirmed the improvement in the bilateral relationship, referring to the fruitful encounter between PM Modi and President Xi in Kazan, Russia, in October. In the opinion of Mao Ning, the encounter offered “strategic guidance for the improvement and development of bilateral ties.”

Patrolling Resumes Along the LAC After Four Years

The most important recent development in India-China relations has been the restoration of patrolling by troops along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in eastern Ladakh. Indian and Chinese troops resumed patrolling activity in November 2023 after a break of four and a half years. This had followed clashes in the Pangong Lake and Galwan areas in May-June 2020, leading to a heightening of tensions between the nations.

Referring to the developments regarding the border conflicts, PM Modi admitted the historical differences but pointed out that the recent diplomatic exercises had resulted in a more normal state of affairs. “It is true that there have been ongoing border disputes between us. And in 2020, the incidents along the border created significant tensions between our countries. However, after my recent meeting with President Xi, we have seen a return to normalcy at the border,” he said.

China’s spokesman confirmed that the two sides sincerely acted on the important common understandings, deepened exchanges, and attained positive results.

A Shared Vision for Development and Global Peace

Being two of the world’s largest developing nations, India and China have shared interests in economic growth, technological progress, and regional peace. Mao Ning emphasized the wider implications of India-China cooperation, noting that their cooperation is of benefit to more than 2.8 billion people and enhances the Global South’s strength.

“This serves the fundamental interests of over 2.8 billion people, meets the common aspiration of regional countries, and follows the historical trend of the Global South growing stronger and conducive to world peace,” she added.

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi had recently characterized the bilateral relationship as a “cooperative pas de deux”—a dragon and elephant ballet duet. Mao Ning echoed this sentiment, emphasizing that mutual cooperation is the “only choice for both sides.”

Strengthening Diplomatic Relations on the 75th Anniversary

As India and China are soon to celebrate the 75th year of diplomatic relations, China has reaffirmed its willingness to cooperate with India for strengthening ties. Mao Ning said that China still adheres to the pledges made by the two leaders and strengthening stable bilateral relations.

“China stands ready to work with India to implement the important common understandings between the two leaders, take the 75th anniversary of the diplomatic relations as an opportunity and advance bilateral ties on the track of stable and sound development,” she said.

PM Modi stressed the importance of India-China cooperation for world peace and economic growth. “Our cooperation is not only (mutually) beneficial but also essential for global peace and prosperity,” he said.