Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi has called for enhanced cooperation between China and India, urging both nations to “take the lead in opposing hegemonism and power politics.” Labeling India and China as “each other’s largest neighbours,” Wang emphasized the importance of mutual support and collaboration. He stated, “China believes that the two should be partners and contribute to each other’s success. A cooperative pas de deux of the dragon and the elephant is the only right choice for both sides.”
This appeal comes at a time of heightened tensions between China and the United States. The U.S. has imposed “arbitrary tariffs” on Chinese goods, a move that Wang criticized as “meeting good with evil,” asserting that such actions strain bilateral relations and undermine trust. The U.S. recently levied tariffs on China, Canada, and Mexico over allegations related to fentanyl smuggling. China, having made efforts to curb fentanyl-related chemical exports, views the U.S. drug problem as a domestic issue. These tariffs mark continued retaliation between the two nations since President Trump’s return to office, with increased duties from both sides. Wang warned against a self-centered international policy, advocating for major countries to fulfill their global obligations. On Ukraine, he supported political negotiations for conflict resolution, and on Taiwan, he reiterated China’s stance against Taiwanese independence. Wang also opposed Trump’s plan to alter Gaza’s status, backing a two-state solution for Israel and Palestine.
In light of these developments, China is seeking to strengthen regional partnerships, with India being a focal point. The relationship between the two nations has been complex, marked by both cooperation and contention. In January 2025, Chinese and Indian diplomats met in Beijing, calling for increased mutual support while avoiding mention of their long-standing border dispute in the Himalayas. Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and Indian official Vikram Misri emphasized cooperation, with Misri noting proper management of differences and the resumption of practical cooperation. They also agreed to resume Indian pilgrimages to Tibet’s Mount Kailash, halted since 2020 due to the pandemic. Relations have been stable since a 2024 agreement on military patrols along their disputed border following a deadly 2020 clash. Despite troop withdrawals from some areas, both nations maintain significant military presence in other disputed regions. Business ties have suffered, with halted Chinese investments and banned Chinese apps like TikTok in India. Nevertheless, trade has grown significantly, favoring China, and many Indian specialists and students move to China for opportunities.
Further signaling a thaw in relations, India and China have agreed to resume direct air services and facilitate journalist exchanges after a nearly five-year hiatus. High-level talks, including meetings between Chinese President Xi Jinping and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, have contributed to this improvement. Both nations will negotiate flight frameworks soon and have agreed on step-by-step dialogues and economic measure discussions to achieve mutual understanding. Despite improving ties, issues like China’s construction of a hydropower dam in Tibet, impacting water resources for India and Bangladesh, continue to raise concerns. Both countries aim to maintain cooperation on cross-border rivers and resume Indian pilgrimages to Tibet in 2025.
Wang’s recent statements underscore China’s strategic interest in bolstering ties with India as a counterbalance to U.S. pressures. By advocating for a “cooperative pas de deux,” China aims to align with India in opposing hegemonic practices and promoting a multipolar world order. This approach reflects a broader Chinese strategy to mitigate U.S. influence by strengthening regional alliances.
However, challenges persist. The longstanding border disputes, particularly in the Himalayas, have been a source of friction. While both sides have agreed to manage differences and resume practical cooperation, the underlying issues remain unresolved. The resumption of pilgrimages and direct flights are positive steps, but sustained diplomatic efforts are required to address core disputes.
The economic dimension of China-India relations is equally significant. Trade between the two countries has grown, albeit with a favorable tilt towards China. Indian professionals and students continue to seek opportunities in China, reflecting the interconnectedness of their economies. Yet, concerns over investments and the banning of Chinese apps in India indicate underlying tensions that need to be addressed to foster a truly collaborative economic relationship.
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