Prime Minister Narendra Modi with Chinese President Xi Jinping. | File Image, PTI
Amid the deteriorating relationship between China and the United States, China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi on Friday extended a friendly hand toward India, stating that New Delhi and Beijing should work together and “take the lead in opposing hegemonism and power politics.”
The statement from Chinese Foreign Minister Wang comes days after the Donald Trump administration announced its decision to double tariffs on Chinese imports.
During his annual press conference, Wang said, “making the dragon and elephant dance is the only right choice.”
“There is every reason for us to support each other rather than undermine or undercut each other,” he said, adding that both countries “should work with each other rather than guard against each other.”
Reflecting on India’s role in the current scenario, he said, “If China and India join hands, the prospect of greater democracy in international affairs and a stronger Global South will improve greatly.”
However, India has not responded to the Chinese minister’s statement, which may have put America on alert.
“China stands ready to work with India to sum up past experiences and forge ahead, advancing China-India relations on the track of sound and stable development,” he said.
India and China finalised a troop withdrawal agreement in late 2023, resolving tensions at Depsang and Demchok, the final disputed areas in eastern Ladakh. This ended a four-year diplomatic standoff between the nations. Following this agreement, Prime Minister Modi and President Xi met in Kazan on October 23, where they agreed to reestablish various diplomatic channels. Subsequently, National Security Advisor Ajit Doval and Wang Yi conducted the 23rd Special Representatives dialogue in Beijing on December 18. On January 26, India’s Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri visited Beijing for discussions with his Chinese counterpart Sun Weidong as part of the ‘Foreign Secretary-Vice Minister’ diplomatic framework.
(With inputs from agencies.)
