China on Monday appreciated Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent remarks supporting dialogue over discord in India-China relations. Beijing welcomed his remarks as “positive” and emphasised that cooperation between the two nations, likened to a coordinated dance between the elephant and the dragon. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said In recent months, both sides have earnestly implemented the important consensus reached by their leaders, strengthened exchanges and practical cooperation at various levels, and achieved a series of positive outcomes.
Mao said that cooperation between China and India is the only correct choice. Being partners in mutual success and achieving ‘Dragon-Elephant Dance’ cooperation is the only correct choice for China and India. She noted that China is willing to work with India to implement the consensus reached by their leaders, using the 75th anniversary of diplomatic ties as an opportunity to promote cooperation across various fields and levels. PM Modi discussed India’s ties with China, saying that disagreements between neighbours were natural.
In 2020, the incidents along the border created significant tensions between our countries. However, after my recent meeting with President Xi, we have seen a return to normalcy at the border. We are now working to restore conditions to how they were before 2020. Relations between India and China deteriorated following a military standoff in Galwan Valley in May 2020. On October 21 last year, India announced an agreement with China on patrolling along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in eastern Ladakh.
PM Modi said occasional disagreements were expected, even in close relationships. “Our relationship should remain just as strong in future and it should continue to grow. Differences are natural when two neighbouring countries exist. Not everything is perfect. Instead of discord, we emphasise dialogue because only through dialogue can we build a stable and cooperative relationship that serves the best interests of both nations.
The prime minister added that the return of trust, enthusiasm, and energy in bilateral ties would take time given the “five-year gap.” PM Modi noted that there was no “real history of conflicts” between India and China. “Both nations have ancient cultures and civilisations. For centuries, India and China have learnt from each other and understood one another. Together they have always contributed to global good in some way.