Beijing, March 7, 2025: As tensions between China and the United States escalate due to U.S. President Donald Trump’s sweeping tariffs on Chinese imports, Beijing is now seeking stronger cooperation with India to counter "hegemonism and power politics."

At a press conference during the annual session of China’s Parliament, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi emphasized the importance of China-India relations, urging both nations to work together to uphold international norms.

Wang Yi’s Statement:
"China and India should be partners that contribute to each other’s success. A cooperative pas de deux (a dance involving two partners) of the dragon and the elephant is the only right choice for both sides."

China Urges a Cooperative Relationship with India

Wang Yi highlighted that a strong partnership between India and China would:
Support each other rather than compete
Strengthen the Global South
Promote democracy in international relations

"When China and India join hands, the prospects for greater democracy in international relations and a stronger Global South will improve greatly," he said.

China has expressed its willingness to work with India to build on past experiences and advance bilateral ties in a stable and positive direction.

India-China Relations Have Made ‘Positive Strides’

The Chinese Foreign Minister also acknowledged that India-China ties have improved significantly following a successful meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Xi Jinping last year.

Key Developments:
Resolution of the four-year-long Ladakh military standoff
Troop withdrawal from Depsang and Demchok
Kazan Meeting (October 2023) – Revival of diplomatic dialogue mechanisms

Both leaders agreed to enhance exchanges, strengthen cooperation, and restore mutual trust following their October 23, 2023 meeting in Kazan.

‘India-China Ties Shouldn’t Be Defined by the Border Dispute’

Wang Yi emphasized that:

• India and China should focus on development and cooperation, rather than letting border tensions define their relationship.
• Both nations have the wisdom and ability to maintain peace in border areas while working toward a long-term resolution.
• 2025 marks the 75th anniversary of India-China diplomatic relations, presenting an opportunity for both countries to inject new momentum into bilateral ties.

“We should never allow bilateral relations to be defined by the boundary question, or let specific differences affect the overall picture of our bilateral ties.”

India’s Response: Willing to Strengthen Cooperation

Last month, Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar met Wang Yi at the G20 Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in Johannesburg, South Africa.

India acknowledged the progress in restoring bilateral relations and expressed willingness to:

• Accelerate the restoration of diplomatic mechanisms
• Enhance cultural exchanges and people-to-people ties
• Maintain peace and stability in border regions

Jaishankar’s remarks came after President Trump offered to mediate between India and China during PM Modi’s visit to the White House. However, India rejected external intervention, stating that such issues must be resolved bilaterally.

What This Means for India-China Relations

China sees India as a key partner amid its trade war with the U.S.
Border disputes remain a challenge but shouldn’t define bilateral relations.
Both nations are open to enhancing cooperation in trade, diplomacy, and cultural exchanges.
India continues to stress that border issues must be resolved bilaterally, without foreign mediation.

With geopolitical shifts and economic challenges in play, the future of India-China relations will depend on how both nations navigate their differences while focusing on long-term strategic interests.