China and India Seek to Repair Ties Amid Trump's Trade War Fallout

Strategic Insights -

Chinese President Xi Jinping and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi have reassured each other that their countries are "partners not rivals" as they seek to repair ties amid the fallout from Donald Trump's trade war. The two most populous countries have a history of clashes along their Himalayan border and Beijing's support for Pakistan, but Xi has told Modi that China is not a threat to India. Instead, Xi portrayed their countries as development opportunities for each other. The attempt at reconciliation comes as Xi seeks to use the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) meeting to showcase regional solidarity and portray China as a more dependable partner for developing countries.

Key Takeaways:

  • The meeting between Xi and Modi comes amid the fallout from Donald Trump's trade war, which has hit allies and adversaries in the region.
  • Xi Jinping told Modi that China is not a threat to India, despite a history of clashes along their Himalayan border and Beijing's support for Pakistan.
  • The two countries have begun to de-escalate tensions, including resuming direct flights between the countries and an agreement to ease border tension.
  • India's Ministry of External Affairs stated that India and China both pursue strategic autonomy, and their relations should not be seen through a third-country lens.
  • The leaders of China and India agreed to expand bilateral trade and investment ties and reduce the trade deficit, which has been a point of contention between the two countries.
  • Modi's trip to China is his first in seven years, and it marks a significant shift in the relationship between the two countries.
  • The SCO meeting, where Xi and Modi met, includes 10 members and another 16 "dialogue partners" and observers.

Statistics:

  • 2.8 billion people are affected by the relationship between China and India.
  • Up to 50% of Indian exports are subject to tariffs under the Trump administration's trade war measures.
  • India has a huge trade deficit with China.
  • This is Modi's first trip to China in seven years.

Sources:

  • Xinhua
  • Indian Ministry of External Affairs
  • Nirupama Rao, former foreign secretary of India and ambassador to Beijing
  • The Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO)