Chinese President Xi Jinping is expected to initiate a comprehensive recovery of relations with India ahead of his summit with President Donald Trump next month.
Wang Yi, a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China and Foreign Minister, held the 25th round of China-India border talks with Ajit Doval, India's National Security Advisor, in Beijing on August 25, as reported by the Chinese Foreign Ministry on August 26. During the meeting, Wang stated, "China hopes to enhance mutual understanding with India, resolve differences, and overcome obstacles to become friendly neighbors and partners that support each other's development, creating a 'dance of the dragon and elephant.'"
Doval remarked, "Both China and India are ancient civilizations and populous nations, significant economic powers, and not competitors but cooperative partners. Under the consensus of the two leaders, bilateral relations have returned to a normal trajectory, the border region is generally peaceful, and exchanges and cooperation in various fields are being steadily advanced."
Neither side announced any new developments regarding border demarcation or management mechanisms. Additionally, Doval held a separate meeting with Han Zheng, China's Vice Premier, on the same day. The discussions covered issues beyond the border dispute, including political, economic, and international relations, but no agreements were disclosed. This meeting is largely seen as preparatory for the upcoming summit between China and India.
The BRICS summit is scheduled to take place in New Delhi from September 12 to 13, where President Xi is expected to attend and meet with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. This summit is particularly noteworthy as it precedes Xi's visit to the U.S. and his meeting with President Trump on September 24. By restoring relations with India before the U.S. summit, Xi may aim to counterbalance U.S. pressure, as the U.S. has previously leveraged deteriorating China-India relations in negotiations with China.
Professor Liu Qifeng of Taiwan's Chung Shan University noted, "The two sides likely discussed what each leader should say at the upcoming summit. They may also engage in discussions regarding responses to the U.S." He added that it is essential for Xi to manage relations with India and control any potential incidents before his visit to the U.S.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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