Key Facts
• On August 31, Chinese President Xi Jinping met Indian Prime Minister Modi in China.
• This marks Modi’s first visit to China in seven years.
• Both leaders agreed to accelerate efforts to improve bilateral relations.
• Xi likened China to a dragon and India to an elephant, emphasizing partnership.
• The two nations have faced long-standing tensions over border disputes.
• Last year, they held their first summit in five years to repair relations.
• Modi announced plans to resume direct flights between the two countries soon.
• India is a member of the Quad alliance with Japan, the U.S., and Australia.
• U.S.-India relations have recently soured due to a 50% tariff hike on Indian imports.
• China aims to strengthen ties with India to disrupt Quad unity.
Summary
Chinese President Xi Jinping and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi met on August 31, marking Modi’s first visit to China in seven years. The leaders agreed to accelerate efforts to improve relations, with Xi emphasizing the importance of a long-term perspective and likening the partnership to a ‘dance of the dragon and elephant.’ Despite historical tensions over border disputes, both nations are working toward reconciliation, including plans to resume direct flights. India’s recent alignment with the Quad alliance and strained relations with the U.S. present a strategic opportunity for China to strengthen ties with India and potentially disrupt Quad cohesion.
