New Delhi, February 4: Amid rapidly changing global dynamics, India has emerged as a central hub for global trade. Countries around the world are viewing India as a significant opportunity. In this context, the Chinese Ambassador to India, Shu Feihong, stated that the relationship between China and India has reached a new level of improvement.
Following last year’s tensions over the Galwan Valley dispute, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping held a crucial meeting. This meeting marked a turning point, leading to the resumption of direct flights between India and China after years, as well as the reopening of the Kailash Mansarovar pilgrimage. India has also restarted issuing tourist visas to Chinese citizens, facilitating easier travel and communication between the two nations. Gradually, the tension in their relationship appears to be easing. Ambassador Shu made this statement during a Chinese New Year event in New Delhi, celebrating the Year of the Horse.
He highlighted the significance of the meeting between President Xi Jinping and Prime Minister Modi in Tianjin last August, describing it as a pivotal moment that has propelled their relationship towards continuous progress.
The Chinese Ambassador remarked, “Exchanges at all levels have increased. Economic and trade cooperation has reached new heights, and interactions among people have become more active.”
According to Ambassador Shu, trade between China and India has surged to $155.6 billion, reflecting a year-on-year growth of over 12%. Exports from China to India have risen by 9.7%. He emphasized that this growth demonstrates the immense potential for further economic collaboration between the two major Asian economies. The ambassador noted that China’s vision of a well-connected world aligns with India’s concept of ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’—the world is one family.
Earlier, on January 26, during India’s 77th Republic Day, President Xi Jinping congratulated India, suggesting that the dragon and the elephant should dance together. Ambassador Shu posted on X, stating, “President Xi Jinping sent a congratulatory message to President Droupadi Murmu on India’s 77th Republic Day. It is in the best interest of China and India to be good neighbors and partners, collaborating for each other’s success.”
Ambassador Shu attended the Republic Day celebrations and expressed his happiness about participating in the event. Last November, he indicated that China is ready to work with India as an active partner in high-level practical cooperation. Speaking at a seminar on “China’s 15th Five-Year Plan: A New Blueprint for China’s Development and New Opportunities for China-India Cooperation,” he stated that during this plan’s period, China aims to strengthen the foundation of its real economy, accelerate technological self-reliance, and expand high-standard openness, creating new opportunities for collaboration with all countries, including India.
He also mentioned, “Currently, India is advancing major strategies like ‘Make in India.’ China is prepared to deepen practical cooperation with India to expand the scope of shared interests and ensure that both nations’ people benefit more from development outcomes.”