China and India vow to be “partners not rivals” as Modi and Xi meet in Tianjin.

In a pivotal meeting on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit in Tianjin, Chinese President Xi Jinping and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi reaffirmed that their countries are “partners not rivals.” The leaders emphasised that neither nation should be perceived as a threat; their rapport was rooted instead in cooperation, development, and mutual opportunity.

Modi lauded the emerging peaceful and stable atmosphere along the long-disputed Himalayan border, noting that resumed direct flights and border de-escalation measures signal a positive shift. He underscored that India and China, both pursuing strategic autonomy, should not view their relations through the prism of third-party influences, but rather align on shared regional and global challenges such as terrorism and fair trade.

Xi mirrored this sentiment, pointing out that the border dispute should not overshadow the broader bilateral ties. Describing the two nations as complementary forces “development partners, not rivals,” he highlighted that their cooperation is critical for regional stability and a multipolar global order.

The meeting represents a thaw in relations after years of tension following the 2020 Galwan Valley clash. Past months have brought tangible steps toward normalisation, including military disengagement, resumption of direct flights, expanded diplomatic engagements, and improved trade channels. Yet concerns linger over India's significant trade deficit with China and contentious issues like China's proposed dam projects along the Brahmaputra River and its strategic alignment with Pakistan.

Overall, the rendezvous marks a strategic recalibration in Asia: both Beijing and New Delhi appear intent on advancing cooperation, minimising rivalry, and asserting a collective leadership in shaping a more balanced and stable regional architecture.

Sources: Financial Times, AP News, Reuters, Times of India