New Delhi | August 31, 2025
Chinese President Xi Jinping, during his meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit in Tianjin, stressed that Beijing and New Delhi must prioritise partnership over rivalry in an increasingly uncertain global landscape.

The high-profile meeting between the two leaders, held on the sidelines of the SCO summit, lasted nearly an hour. Both leaders exchanged a firm handshake and warm greetings before beginning talks that signalled an intent to ease tensions and rebuild trust between the two Asian giants.

A Call for Long-Term Vision

In his opening remarks, Xi Jinping emphasised that China and India must adopt a long-term and strategic outlook rather than allowing short-term disputes to overshadow broader relations. Referring directly to the border issue, he said, “We must not let the border issue define the overall China-India relationship.”

Xi further noted that both nations, as the world’s two most populous countries and ancient civilizations of the East, carried a historic responsibility to strengthen multilateralism and promote stability in Asia and beyond. He described cooperation as the “right choice” that could make bilateral ties “promising, stable and far-reaching” if pursued with mutual respect and partnership.

Dragon and Elephant Together

Using a symbolic metaphor, Xi said it was vital for the “Dragon and the Elephant” to work together. He underlined the importance of acting as good neighbours and friends in order to shape the future of the Global South.

“The international situation is both fluid and chaotic,” Xi remarked. “China and India, as leading voices of the developing world, must step up to our historic responsibilities to uphold multilateralism, a multipolar world, and greater democracy in international institutions.”

Global Context

The meeting came against the backdrop of escalating global trade tensions triggered by US President Donald Trump’s tariff measures. Xi highlighted that India and China must work together to counter protectionism and promote a fair and equitable international order.

According to Xi, China and India have not only regional but also global roles to play in safeguarding peace and prosperity. By joining hands, the two nations could serve as a counterbalance in global politics while ensuring that Asian interests are not undermined.

PM Modi’s Response

Prime Minister Modi, visiting China after seven years, acknowledged the positive strides in bilateral ties. He highlighted several developments, including an agreement reached between special representatives on managing the border standoff, the resumption of the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra, and the restoration of direct flights between the two nations.

For New Delhi, the meeting marked an important opportunity to reset ties following a five-year military standoff in eastern Ladakh. Modi noted that cooperation would not only benefit both countries but also the broader Asian region.

A Reset in Relations?

The Modi-Xi meeting is seen as a symbolic but significant step in repairing strained ties between the two Asian powers. While longstanding border disputes remain unresolved, both leaders appeared keen to explore avenues of cooperation in trade, connectivity, and multilateral forums.

With global challenges mounting, from trade wars to climate change, the Tianjin meeting underscored a recognition that Asia’s two largest countries cannot afford prolonged hostility. Instead, both must look beyond disputes and choose cooperation as the path forward.