'Dragon, elephant partnership only right choice': China's message for India amid Trump's trade war

Speaking at a press conference on March 7, Wang Yi noted that India-China relations have made “positive strides” and achieved a series of positive outcomes at all levels

With US-China tensions escalating following Washington’s decision to double tariffs on Chinese imports to 20 per cent, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi on Friday called for greater cooperation between New Delhi and Beijing to counter “hegemonism and power politics”.

Speaking at a press conference on March 7, Wang Yi noted that India-China relations have made “positive strides” and achieved a series of positive outcomes at all levels after last year’s breakthrough ending the over four-year-long military standoff in eastern Ladakh.

“The successful meeting between President Xi Jinping and Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Kazan last October provided strategic guidance for the improvement and development of the bilateral ties. Both sides have earnestly followed through on the important common understandings of our leaders, strengthened exchanges and practical cooperation at all levels, and achieved a series of positive outcomes,” he said.

China believes that as the largest neighbours, both countries should be partners in each other’s success. “A cooperative pas de deux of the dragon and the elephant is the only right choice for both sides,” Wang Yi said.

“There is every reason for us to support each other rather than undermine each other or undercut each other,” he said, adding that both the countries “should work with each other rather than guard against each other”.

This is the only path that truly serves the fundamental interests of the two countries, Wang said.

In what can be seen as an apparent reference to the United States, Wang remarked, "As important members of the Global South, we have the responsibility to take the lead in opposing hegemonism and power politics."

“We must not only safeguard legitimate rights and interests of our countries but also uphold the basic norms governing international relations,” he said.

"When China and India join hands, the prospect for greater democracy in international relations and a stronger Global South will improve greatly," he said. Wang said this year marks the 75th anniversary of China-India diplomatic relations.

China stands ready to work with India to sum up past experience and forge a fast forward and advance China-India relations on the track of sound and stable development, he said.