Dragon and Elephant Ballet 'Only Right Choice for Both Sides,' Says Chinese Foreign Minister
New Delhi: Chinese foreign minister Wang Yi on Friday (March 7) emphasised the importance of a cooperative partnership between China and India, stating that it's the "only right choice" for the bilateral relations.
There is every reason for us to support each other rather than undermine each other or undercut each other, Wang, who is also a member of the political bureau of the ruling Communist Party of China (CPC), was quoted as saying by news agency PTI at at press conference in Beijing.
Calling for “cooperative pas de deux” – a ballet dance – between the dragon and the elephant, Wang noted that it is the “only right choice for both sides.”
Further, Wang highlighted the positive strides made in India-China relations, citing the successful meeting between Chinese President Xi Jinping and Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Kazan last October.
On October 23, Modi and Xi held a bilateral meeting on the sidelines of the BRICS summit in Kazan, Russia, marking their first formal discussion in five years. After the meeting, both sides issued separate press statements indicating they had reached an understanding on the last two unresolved friction points in eastern Ladakh from the stand-off that began in April-May 2020.
The Chinese foreign minister also reiterated that differences over boundary issues should not affect overall bilateral ties. He emphasised that both the nations have the wisdom and capability to maintain peace and tranquility in border areas pending a fair and reasonable solution to the boundary issue.
“We should never allow bilateral relations to be defined by the boundary question or specific differences to affect the overall picture of our bilateral ties,” he said.
As important members of the Global South, Wang noted that China and India have a responsibility to lead in opposing hegemonism and power politics. He underlined that both the countries should work together to uphold the basic norms governing international relations and safeguard their legitimate rights and interests.
“If China and India join hands, the prospect of greater democracy in international affairs and the stronger Global South will improve greatly,” Wang said.
This year marks a significant milestone, the 75th anniversary of China-India diplomatic relations. To commemorate this occasion, Wang expressed China's willingness to work with India, building on past experiences and forging a new path forward to advance their relations. “China stands ready to work with India to sum up past experience and forge a path forward and advance China-India relations on the track of sound and stable development."
The Wire is now on WhatsApp. Follow our channel for sharp analysis and opinions on the latest developments.
