Context:
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi emphasized the need for India and China to support rather than undermine each other, likening their relationship to a ballet between the elephant and the dragon. He acknowledged positive strides in bilateral ties following the resolution of the Eastern Ladakh military stand-off.
Key Diplomatic Developments
- The Xi Jinping-Narendra Modi meeting in Kazan (October 2024) provided strategic guidance for better bilateral ties.
- Since then, both sides have:
- Strengthened exchanges at various levels.
- Increased practical cooperation.
- Achieved several positive diplomatic outcomes.
China’s Position on Border Disputes
- Wang Yi reiterated China’s view that:
- Border differences should not define bilateral relations.
- The two nations should prevent disputes from escalating into larger conflicts.
A Unified Global South Against Hegemony
- Wang Yi positioned India and China as key leaders of the Global South, advocating for:
- Opposition to hegemonism (a veiled reference to the U.S.).
- Strengthening global democracy in international relations.
- Greater cooperation to enhance the influence of the Global South.
