India China Relation: China Welcomes PM Modi’s ‘Dialogue Over Discord’ Remarks, Calls for ‘Dragon-Elephant Dance’ Cooperation

China has welcomed Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent remarks emphasizing "dialogue over discord" in India-China relations. The Chinese government reiterated its stance that cooperation between the two nations remains the best path to shared success, likening it to a "dance between the elephant and the dragon."

Addressing the media on Monday, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning stated that "Being partners in mutual success and achieving 'Dragon-Elephant Dance' cooperation is the only correct choice for China and India." She added that China is ready to work with India to implement the agreements reached by their leaders and sees the 75th anniversary of diplomatic ties as an opportunity to strengthen collaboration across multiple sectors.

Efforts to Normalize Relations After 2020 Border Tensions

PM Modi’s statements came during an interview with American podcaster and AI researcher Lex Fridman, where he discussed India-China relations and the importance of diplomatic dialogue. Acknowledging the past border tensions, he expressed confidence in the ongoing normalization process.

"In 2020, the incidents along the border created significant tensions between our countries. However, after my recent meeting with President Xi Jinping, we have seen a return to normalcy at the border. We are now working to restore conditions to how they were before 2020," PM Modi said.

The 2020 Galwan Valley standoff marked a low point in India-China relations, leading to heightened military tensions. However, progress has been made in recent months, including the October 21, 2023, agreement on patrolling along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in eastern Ladakh.

Modi-Xi Meeting Signals Positive Shift

The BRICS summit in Kazan, Russia, in October 2023 provided an opportunity for PM Modi and President Xi to engage in diplomatic discussions. Their meeting resulted in endorsement of the LAC agreement and renewed efforts to revive bilateral dialogue mechanisms.

PM Modi stressed that disagreements are natural between neighbors, but the focus should always remain on maintaining a stable and cooperative relationship.

"Our relationship should remain just as strong in the future and continue to grow. Differences are natural, but we emphasize dialogue because only through dialogue can we build a stable and cooperative relationship that serves the best interests of both nations," he said.

China and India’s Shared Historical and Economic Influence

PM Modi further noted that while there have been ongoing border disputes, the process of rebuilding trust and enthusiasm in bilateral ties will take time.

"It is true that there have been border disputes between us. Slowly but surely, trust, enthusiasm, and energy will return. But of course, it will take some time since there's been a five-year gap," he said.

Highlighting the deep-rooted connections between India and China, he pointed out that the two nations have no real history of conflicts and have always contributed positively to global progress.

"Both nations have ancient cultures and civilizations. For centuries, India and China have learned from and understood each other. Together, they have always contributed to global good in some way. At one point, India and China alone accounted for 50% of global GDP. That’s how massive India’s contribution was," he remarked.