'Dragon and elephant' should help each other: China calls for stronger India ties amid US strains

Amid strained India-US relations, China on Thursday expressed optimism about the future of India-China ties, saying a cooperative pas de deux of the dragon and the elephant as partners helping each other succeed is the right choice for both the countries.

“China and India are both major developing countries and important members of the Global South. A cooperative pas de deux of the dragon and the elephant as partners helping each other succeed is the right choice for both sides,” said Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian.

Addressing speculation over a possible visit by Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi to Delhi on August 18 for talks with National Security Adviser Ajit Doval, Lin confirmed that both sides are maintaining communication at various levels.

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“We stand ready to work with India to act on the important common understandings reached between the leaders of our two countries, maintain the momentum of high-level exchanges, cement political mutual trust, enhance practical cooperation, properly handle differences, and promote the sustained, sound, and steady development of China–India ties,” said Lin, noting that regarding the specific visit, relevant information will be released in due course.

There has been a gradual thaw in India-China ties, as both sides continue steps to ease tensions.

China and India are set to resume direct flights next month and Beijing has relaxed some curbs on fertilizer exports to India.

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Indian airlines have reportedly been instructed to prepare for services to China, with an official announcement expected during the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit later this month.

When asked to confirm these reports, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian said “Beijing had taken note of them” but did not provide a specific timeline for the resumption.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to visit China later this month for the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit — his first trip there in seven years — with a bilateral meeting with President Xi Jinping likely on the sidelines.

The warming of ties comes as New Delhi’s relations with Washington strain, following a steep 50% tariff imposed by US President Donald Trump on Indian exports.

With inputs from agencies