Beijing: on Monday expressed “appreciation” for Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s remarks on India-China relations, made during his recent conversation on the Lex Fridman podcast. Responding positively, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning emphasized that cooperation between the two nations is the only viable path forward.
Reacting to PM Modi’s call for stronger ties and peaceful competition, Mao Ning acknowledged India’s historical significance in China’s growth. “We have noted Prime Minister Modi’s statement and appreciate his positive view on India-China relations. A cooperative dance between the elephant and the dragon is the only choice for both nations,” she said.
During the podcast, PM Modi stressed the importance of preventing competition from escalating into conflicts. “If you look at historical records, for centuries, India and China have learned from each other. Together, they have always contributed to the global good in some way… At one point, India and China alone accounted for more than 50 per cent of the world’s GDP. That’s how massive India’s contribution was,” Modi told Lex Fridman.
He further added, “Our focus is to ensure that these differences don’t turn into disputes. That’s what we actively work toward.”
Mao also referenced the October 2023 meeting between PM Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping in Kazan, Russia, calling it a “strategic moment” for the improvement of bilateral ties. She stated that both nations have followed up on their agreements, strengthened diplomatic exchanges, and achieved “positive outcomes.”
Emphasizing the deep-rooted historical ties, she added, “In over 2,000 years of interactions, India and China have maintained friendly exchanges and contributed to civilizational progress. We must continue this spirit of partnership.”
With 2025 marking the 75th anniversary of India-China diplomatic relations, Mao reiterated China’s readiness to work with India. “We are prepared to implement the important common understandings reached by our leaders and advance our ties on a stable and sound track.”
