China and India Pledge to Be ‘Partners, Not Rivals’ at SCO Summit

Reported by Amos Dachung – Sele Media Africa.

www.selemedia.org | August 31, 2025

In a significant move toward strengthening bilateral relations, Chinese President Xi Jinping and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi met on Sunday in Tianjin, China, ahead of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Summit. The leaders emphasized that China and India should view each other as cooperation partners rather than rivals, highlighting mutual development opportunities over competition.

President Xi stated, “China and India are cooperation partners, not rivals, and the two countries are each other’s development opportunities rather than threats.” He further emphasized the importance of a “cooperative pas de deux of the dragon and the elephant,” suggesting that harmonious collaboration is the right choice for both nations.
Prime Minister Modi echoed these sentiments, affirming India’s commitment to improving ties with China. He noted the restoration of peace and stability along the disputed border following the 2020 military clash and revealed a new bilateral border management agreement. Modi also advocated for strategic autonomy, asserting that India-China relations should not be viewed through the lens of third countries.

The meeting also marked the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries. Both leaders agreed to handle bilateral ties from a strategic and long-term perspective, aiming to sustain steady and long-term growth in China-India relations.

This development comes amid global economic uncertainties and shifting geopolitical dynamics. The reaffirmation of partnership between China and India is seen as a positive step toward regional stability and economic cooperation.
Citations:

1. Xinhua News: english.news.cn/20250831/7cf95517d9b24ec280eafb8dab59ae4b/c.html?utm_source=chatgpt.com
2. Reuters: www.reuters.com/world/china/india-committed-improving-ties-with-china-modi-tells-xi-2025-08-31/?utm_source=chatgpt.com