India-China
Table of Contents
India-China Ties Should Take Form of Elephant-Dragon Tango: Xi Jinping
The relationship between India and China has been one of the most complex and multifaceted in the world today, blending cooperation, competition, and occasional confrontation. As two of the largest and most influential countries in Asia, both nations have immense historical, cultural, and economic significance, with global consequences. In recent years, Chinese President Xi Jinping has emphasized the importance of fostering strong, stable relations between the two countries, drawing an interesting analogy by suggesting that India-China ties should take the form of an “elephant-dragon tango.” This metaphor is not just poetic but also strategically meaningful, encapsulating the essence of how two such powerful neighbors should interact.
The Elephant and The Dragon: A Symbolic Representation
The metaphor of the “elephant” and the “dragon” is deeply symbolic, drawing on the respective cultural significance of these animals in Indian and Chinese traditions. The elephant, revered in India as a symbol of wisdom, strength, and resilience, contrasts with the dragon, which in Chinese culture represents power, prosperity, and divine authority. This imagery captures the essence of the two nations: India, a vast and ancient civilization with a rich spiritual heritage, and China, a rising superpower with a history of dynastic grandeur and strategic ambition.
The choice of “tango” is also significant. A tango is a dance of partnership that requires both coordination and mutual respect. While it is a dance that involves two separate entities moving in harmony, it also involves occasional tension, a balance of leading and following, and an intricate understanding of each other’s movements. Similarly, India and China, while distinct in their histories and priorities, must navigate their relationship with mutual understanding and flexibility. This partnership, like a tango, would require both nations to find common ground amidst differences, and to work in sync despite their complex histories.
The Shared Challenges and Opportunities
India and China are not just neighbors; they are two of the most important players in the global economy. China is the second-largest economy in the world, while India is one of the fastest-growing economies. Both countries are central to Asia’s geopolitical future, with significant regional and global implications.
- Economic Growth and Trade: China and India are two of the largest consumer markets in the world. The economic partnership between the two nations offers immense potential. Trade has been a key area of cooperation, with China becoming one of India’s largest trading partners. In 2020, despite the global economic slowdown due to the COVID-19 pandemic, bilateral trade between India and China reached nearly $90 billion. There is a clear opportunity for both nations to expand their economic ties, especially in sectors like technology, infrastructure, energy, and manufacturing. However, the economic relationship is not without its challenges. India has often voiced concerns about its growing trade deficit with China, which has become a point of contention in the bilateral relationship. These issues need to be addressed through constructive dialogue and fair trade practices, in which both nations must work together to ensure a mutually beneficial economic partnership.
- Geopolitical Rivalry and Regional Influence: Both India and China seek to assert their influence over the broader Asian region. China’s ambitious Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) has sparked concerns in India, particularly as it involves projects in neighboring countries like Pakistan, where India and Pakistan have a long-standing rivalry. Similarly, India’s growing partnership with the United States and its involvement in regional initiatives like the Quad (comprising India, Japan, the United States, and Australia) has not gone unnoticed by China. Despite these geopolitical differences, both nations must recognize the broader regional security framework that requires cooperation. For example, their shared interest in combating terrorism, ensuring regional stability in Afghanistan, and addressing the challenges posed by climate change and natural disasters provide potential areas for collaboration. A mutual understanding of each other’s strategic concerns can lead to peaceful coexistence, where rivalry does not overshadow the need for cooperation.
- Cultural and Historical Differences: India and China are two ancient civilizations with distinct cultural traditions and values. While both share a long history of philosophical, religious, and cultural exchanges—Buddhism originating in India and spreading to China, for instance—there are also periods of conflict, such as the 1962 border war. These historical differences cannot be erased overnight but must be acknowledged as part of the shared past. In recent years, both nations have increasingly recognized the value of people-to-people exchanges, tourism, education, and cultural diplomacy. Xi Jinping’s vision of the “elephant-dragon tango” suggests a recognition of the need for cultural diplomacy alongside traditional political and economic diplomacy. India and China should work together to promote greater understanding of each other’s cultural values and historical legacies, as this would help reduce tensions and foster better communication.
The Path Forward: Harmonizing Differences
The future of India-China relations is not merely about balancing economic growth or strategic influence; it is about learning how to manage differences while building on common goals. Xi Jinping’s vision of an “elephant-dragon tango” calls for a nuanced approach where both countries do not let rivalry dominate their relationship. Instead, they must recognize that their cooperation, despite differences, could bring enormous benefits not just for their people, but for the broader Asia-Pacific region and the world at large.
- Strengthening Bilateral Mechanisms: It is essential that India and China strengthen their diplomatic mechanisms and dialogues. While the two countries have several institutional channels for communication, such as the annual bilateral summits and working groups, these can be further expanded to tackle contemporary issues like technology transfer, climate change, and cyber security. Regular communication and transparency are crucial to avoid misunderstandings and conflict.
- Fostering Mutual Respect and Trust: Trust-building measures are paramount in any relationship, and India and China must focus on fostering trust at multiple levels. This includes military-to-military dialogues to prevent border skirmishes and confidence-building measures to mitigate strategic mistrust. Additionally, the two nations must work together in multilateral institutions like the United Nations, World Trade Organization, and Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) to ensure that their shared interests are represented.
- Economic Collaboration and Regional Stability: Both countries must prioritize economic collaboration by addressing trade imbalances and investing in key infrastructure projects. Greater collaboration in regional initiatives like the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) and the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) can further strengthen their cooperation. A stable and prosperous South Asia and Asia-Pacific region benefits both nations.
Conclusion: A Dance of Balance and Progress
The “elephant-dragon tango” encapsulates the delicate yet crucial balance that India and China must maintain in their relationship. As two of the most powerful countries in Asia, their partnership holds the potential to reshape the future of the region and the world. It is not about dominance or submission but about recognizing the strengths of each other and dancing together in a way that benefits both. By nurturing mutual respect, promoting economic collaboration, and resolving geopolitical tensions, India and China can chart a path forward that will contribute to regional and global stability and prosperity.
The elephant and the dragon, each with its distinct characteristics, have the potential to create a harmonious relationship—if they learn to dance together in sync, overcoming differences, and working towards common goals. The future of India-China relations hinges on this delicate but crucial partnership.
