Xi Jinping Calls for ‘Dragon-Elephant Tango’ to Strengthen India-China Ties
Chinese President Xi Jinping has proposed that India and China should engage in a “dragon-elephant tango,” a metaphor symbolizing a cooperative partnership between the two nations, represented by their iconic animals—the dragon for China and the elephant for India. This statement gains prominence as both countries strive to rebuild ties strained by a military standoff in eastern Ladakh that began in 2020.
In a message to Indian President Droupadi Murmu commemorating 75 years of diplomatic relations, Xi highlighted that fostering mutual success is the ideal approach for India and China, a view supported by the evolution of their bilateral ties. This was reported by China’s state-run Xinhua News Agency. He stressed the need for a strategic, long-term approach to their relationship, promoting peaceful coexistence, trust, mutual benefits, and collective progress.
Xi also advocated for both nations to champion a multipolar world and enhance democracy in global affairs. He noted that the “dragon-elephant tango” serves the core interests of both countries and their citizens, reinforcing its significance.
Marking the diplomatic milestone, Xi expressed readiness to collaborate with President Murmu to boost exchanges and cooperation across multiple domains, deepen dialogue on international matters, and ensure peace along the China-India border. He emphasized the role of both nations in advancing global peace and prosperity, according to Xinhua.
Xi described India and China as ancient civilizations, key developing nations, and vital members of the Global South, underscoring that both are at crucial stages in their modernization efforts. In response, President Murmu called for a stable, predictable, and friendly relationship that benefits both countries and the world, proposing the 75th anniversary as a chance to drive steady growth in bilateral ties, as reported by Xinhua.
Additionally, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese Premier Li Qiang exchanged congratulatory messages, a gesture highlighted by Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun during a Beijing press briefing.
India-China Border De-Escalation Proceeds as Planned
In February, China confirmed its cooperation with India to implement agreements aimed at resolving the eastern Ladakh standoff. This followed India’s announcement in October of a deal to withdraw troops from the Demchok and Depsang areas, part of efforts to ease tensions sparked by the 2020 Galwan Valley clash.
To further mend relations, PM Modi and Xi Jinping met in Kazan, Russia, in October, agreeing to restart various dialogue mechanisms—their first meeting in five years. This momentum continued with National Security Advisor Ajit Doval and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi holding the 23rd Special Representative dialogue in Beijing in December to reinforce de-escalation efforts.
On February 21, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar met Wang Yi during the G20 Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in Johannesburg, South Africa, discussing geopolitical challenges, multilateral cooperation, and global conflicts. Ministry of External Affairs sources have confirmed that the de-escalation process remains on track.