By Mewati Sitaram
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi declared that China-India relations have made “positive strides” following the resolution of the four-year military standoff in eastern Ladakh. Speaking at Beijing’s annual press conference, Wang highlighted the successful meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Xi Jinping in Kazan, Russia, as a turning point for bilateral ties.
According to Wang, both leaders provided “strategic guidance” that led to strengthened exchanges and practical cooperation at all levels, yielding “a series of positive outcomes.” The diplomatic breakthrough came after India and China completed the disengagement process in Depsang and Demchok, the final friction points in eastern Ladakh.
Wang emphasized China’s position that boundary disputes should not define overall bilateral relations—seemingly addressing India’s stance that border peace is essential for relationship development. “As two ancient civilisations, we have enough wisdom and capability to maintain peace and tranquility in the border areas pending a fair and reasonable solution,” he stated.
The Foreign Minister characterized cooperation between “the dragon and the elephant” as “the only right choice,” suggesting both nations should support rather than undermine each other. He also positioned China and India as important members of the Global South with a responsibility to oppose “hegemonism and power politics”—an apparent reference to the United States.
Looking forward, Wang noted that 2025 marks the 75th anniversary of China-India diplomatic relations, expressing China’s readiness to “forge a fast forward” on the path of “sound and stable development.”
The diplomatic thaw began when Modi and Xi met in Kazan last October after finalizing the disengagement pact. This meeting revived various dialogue mechanisms, followed by the Special Representatives dialogue in December and Foreign Secretary-level talks in January.
Editor in Chief : Mewati SItaram
