China mirrors PM Modi’s optimism on bilateral ties, cites 'elephant-dragon ballet' as sole option

China has mirrored Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s positive stance on restoring Sino-India relations, emphasising that a harmonious “ballet” between the elephant and dragon is the sole viable option for both nations.

In a recent podcast with Lex Fridman, PM Modi expressed optimism about the restoration of ties between India and China. China appreciated Modi’s remarks, noting that a cooperative pas de deux between the two nations is essential for global stability and prosperity.

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning highlighted the 2,000-plus years of friendly exchanges and mutual learning between India and China, contributing to civilisational achievements and human progress.

She added that a successful meeting between Prime Minister Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping on the sidelines of BRICS Summit in Russia’s Kazan provided strategic guidance for the improvement and development of bilateral ties.

PM Modi emphasised that India-China cooperation benefits not only the two nations but also the world. He noted that the situation along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) has normalised, and both countries are working to restore the pre-2020 status along the border.

Speaking to Fridman, Modi said, “The 21^st century is the Asian century. Competition is natural but there should not be conflict.”

“We are both old civilisations. If you scan past records, you will find China and India have always learnt from each other. At one point they contributed 50 per cent of the world GDP. We do not have any history of conflict in the past,” Modi said.

He added that in future too India wants its ties with China “to remain strong”.

“Differences between the two neighbours are natural, occasional disagreements are also natural. Families have disagreements too. Our attempt is that differences should not plummet into disputes. We stress dialogue over discord. That is the only way to achieve a stable, cooperative relationship which is in the best interests of both nations,” said the PM, adding that the 2020 border standoff led to distances, which were now being addressed.

Modi also mentioned his meeting with Xi Jinping at Kazan, and said, “We are working to restore the pre-2020 status. Gradually, we hope for old trust to be restored. It will take some time because five years have passed by.”