- April 1, 2025.
In an important gesture marking 75 years of diplomatic ties between China and India, Chinese President Xi Jinping has called for more cooperation between the two countries.
Significantly, calling the cooperation a “Dragon-Elephant tango.” Xi used the expression to relate the importance of working together between the two Asian countries.
Correspondingly, each represented by their respective national animals.
A Call for Peaceful Coexistence
Xi’s message to Indian President Droupadi Murmu expressed the importance of seeking ways for both countries to coexist peacefully.
Subsequently, he said that he would like to further communication and coordination on major international issues. Henceforth, he called for both to jointly protect peace in border areas.
He made his remarks after the frayed situation between the two nations eased over the territorial dispute. Additionally, involving the 2020 clash of troops along the Himalayan border.
History of the ‘Dragon-Elephant’
The imagery of the dragon and elephant dancing together has been used by Xi before. In 2019, during informal talks with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Mamallapuram, Xi said, “the dance of the dragon and the elephant is the only correct choice for China and India.”
Emphasizing, he said that the differences occurring should not come between the overall interests of cooperation.
Therefore, called for understanding by communicating in effort to resolve differences.
Industrial Cooperation
In spite of the pandemic, the Indian economy has experienced an increase in bilateral trade value, totaling $95.9 billion in 2022-23.
Surprisingly, the export of Indian items to China rose by 27% year-to-year (YoY), while imports increased by 23%.
For several months now, India has taken necessary action to take advantage of opportunities. Specifically, within the situation surrounding the Israel-Palestine crisis, demonstrating its effective leadership role.
In December 2022, China and India signed a preliminary bilateral trade agreement in two countries, recognizing that both joined the Global Trade Agreement (GTA).
Apparently, the GTA comprises numerous nations. Significantly, its primary goal is to establish international trade agreements.
Bilateral Relations
Through, bilateral/multilateral processes that exhibit governance standards, facilitated through national standards and norms.
These trade communities do not have their own collective trade governance standards, which is challenging.
Nevertheless, the GTA established member nations to review governance frameworks that enable trends leading to ‘weak agreements,’ and even ‘loose agreements’.
Conclusively, convergence through similar approaches with larger member nations, single and multi-country trade, finance, tax treaties, regulatory appointments and frameworks.
During the meeting, the trade representatives indicated that economic activity is a choice made by politicians.
Ultimately, they are responsible for ensuring appropriate direction and preservation of trade agreements.
