Tianjin [China], August 31 (ANI): A Hindi-speaking Chinese journalist, Zhang Xiao, on Sunday called for deeper cooperation between India and China, suggesting that such an alliance would create “immense opportunities” for both nations.
Zhang Xiao, who said her Hindi name is Anjali, spoke in fluent Hindi and remarked, “We are neighboring nations and leading developing countries of the world. We are two of the largest economies. Our trade cooperation is extensive… So, the opportunities are immense. We should not have tensions between us. We should join hands and work together… I believe China’s high technology is well-known across the world. We can cooperate on this.”
Speaking about the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit, Zhang noted that the forum provides a good platform to further strengthen India-China relations. “SCO provides a good platform to further strengthen India-China relations. Tianjin is an important city,” she said.
The SCO Summit 2025 in Tianjin marked a significant moment in India-China relations. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping held their first bilateral meeting in seven years to discuss ways to improve ties and cooperate on regional and global issues.
The meeting signaled a potential reset in relations, which have been strained since the 2020 Galwan border clashes. “An agreement has been reached between our Special Representatives regarding border management. Kailash Mansarovar Yatra has been resumed. Direct flights between the two countries are also being resumed,” PM Modi said during his meeting with Xi.
Modi reaffirmed his commitment to advancing India-China relations based on mutual trust, respect, and sensitivity. He welcomed progress on multiple fronts, including border disengagements that have created an atmosphere of peace and stability, the resumption of the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra, and the reestablishment of direct flight connectivity.
“Last year in Kazan, we had very fruitful discussions, which gave a positive direction to our relations. After the disengagement on the border, an atmosphere of peace and stability has been created,” Modi said.
Xi emphasized the importance of India-China friendship, describing it as the “right choice” for both nations. He highlighted their shared historical and cultural ties and said the partnership between the “dragon and elephant” enables mutual success.
“China and India are two ancient civilizations in the East. We are the world’s two most populous countries and important members of the Global South. We share the responsibility of improving the well-being of our peoples, promoting solidarity and rejuvenation in developing countries, and advancing human progress. It is the right choice for both countries to be friends who maintain good-neighborly ties, partners who enable each other’s success, and to have the dragon and the elephant come together,” Xi said.
Recently, India and China have taken steps to strengthen ties, including the resumption of trade through the Lipulekh Pass in Uttarakhand, the Shipki La Pass in Himachal Pradesh, and the Nathu La Pass in Sikkim.
During Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi’s visit on August 18–19, both sides agreed to resume direct flights between the Chinese mainland and India at the earliest and finalize an updated Air Services Agreement. They also agreed to facilitate visas for tourists, businesses, media, and other visitors in both directions.
The SCO Summit will formally open this evening at the Meijiang Convention and Exhibition Centre in Tianjin. Following a welcoming ceremony and photo session, leaders will attend a reception and concert. (ANI)
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