China has offered rare commendation to Prime Minister Narendra Modi following his discussion with AI expert Lex Fridman. Mao Ning, spokesperson for China’s Foreign Ministry, expressed that they ‘valued’ PM Modi’s “favorable” comments on Sino-Indian relations, emphasizing the importance of dialogue over conflict. On Sunday, PM Modi reaffirmed his commitment to dialogue rather than discord when addressing India’s ties with China.
‘No History of Conflict Between India and China’
Mao Ning emphasized during a media briefing in Beijing on Monday that “Throughout the 2000-plus years of interaction, both nations—India and China—have maintained amicable exchanges.” She indicated that both countries have gained insights from one another, contributing to their respective civilizational achievements and human advancement.
This statement resonated with views that assert there is a lack of genuine historical conflict between India and China, emphasizing that their relationship is long-standing.
“When reviewing historical documentation, it is evident that for centuries, India and China have enriched one another’s cultures. Collectively, they have consistently contributed to the common good globally. Historical accounts suggest that, at one time, India and China together accounted for over 50 percent of the world’s GDP. This underscores India’s significant contributions. I believe our relationship has been incredibly strong, marked by profound cultural ties,” the Prime Minister shared during his conversation with Fridman.
China Reflects on Modi-Xi Jinping Meeting
Mao noted that the productive meeting in Kazan, Russia, last October provided strategic direction for fostering and enhancing bilateral relations.
During the Lex Fridman podcast on Sunday, PM Modi acknowledged that India and China are dealing with border issues. He highlighted that the skirmishes in the Galwan Valley in 2020 escalated tensions between New Delhi and Beijing.
Nonetheless, he remarked, “Following my recent encounter with President Xi, we have observed a restoration of normalcy at the border. Efforts are underway to revert conditions to their pre-2020 state. Trust, enthusiasm, and energy, I believe, will gradually return.”
He acknowledged that achieving these objectives will indeed require time, particularly given the five years that have elapsed.
‘Ballet Between Dragon and Elephant’
As the two most significant developing nations, both have a shared responsibility to accelerate their progress and revitalization, while also understanding and supporting each other’s achievements, Mao Ning stated to reporters on Monday.
Mao also pointed out that this cooperation serves the fundamental interests of over 2.8 billion individuals, aligns with regional aspirations, and aligns with the historical trajectory of the Global South gaining strength, which is essential for world peace.
The two nations ought to function as partners that boost each other’s success, engaging in a “cooperative pas de deux” (a dance for two participants), with the ballet between the two being the “only viable path for both sides,” she stated, reiterating recent remarks made by Foreign Minister Wang Yi regarding the evolution of bilateral relations.
China is prepared to collaborate with India to realize the significant mutual understandings reached by the two leaders, leveraging the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations as a momentum to promote bilateral ties along a course of stable and sound development, she concluded.
