PM Modi’s China Visit LIVE: Warm Reception By Xi Jinping At SCO Summit, Talks Signal Reset In Ties

At the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit in Tianjin, Chinese President Xi Jinping formally welcomed Prime Minister Narendra Modi. This was a momentous diplomatic occasion as India-China relations seek a new beginning following years of strain.

At a time when global dynamics are changing, especially in light of the ongoing trade tensions between the United States and China, PM Modi is making his first trip to China in seven years, and his first since the Galwan clash.

Important Points From Day One

• PM Modi is welcomed by Xi Jinping: President Xi welcomed PM Modi at the formal reception, emphasising that it is the "right choice" for China and India to be allies and partners rather than adversaries.
• The two leaders met for more than fifty minutes and talked about working together on geopolitical, cultural, and economic issues. "Differences should not become disputes," they reaffirmed.
• The message from PM Modi: India is dedicated to fortifying relationships founded on respect, trust, and sensitivity, the prime minister underlined. Additionally, he emphasised the progress made since the border's disengagement, referring to it as a step towards "peace and stability."
• 2.8 Billion People Linked by Cooperation: Modi emphasised that close ties between China and India are essential to the welfare of both countries' 2.8 billion citizens and will also support global expansion.
• China Refers to the Meeting as a Reset: Beijing referred to the October 2024 meeting in Russia as the "Kazan reset" and said the discussions were a continuation of it. According to Chinese officials, it is the duty of both countries to foster unity among developing nations.

Greater Context

• Historic Parallels: Jawaharlal Nehru's 1954 visit to Beijing, which was subsequently heralded as a diplomatic breakthrough, is being likened to Modi's visit.
• Cultural Welcome: The Indian community welcomed PM Modi to Tianjin on Saturday with chants of "Bharat Mata ki Jai" and "Vande Mataram." Later, he took in a performance by Chinese musicians who played Indian classical instruments like the tabla, santoor, and sitar.
• Meetings Outside of Xi Jinping: Modi also had meetings with Cai Qi, the Chinese Communist Party Secretary of the Secretariat, and Min Aung Hlaing, the Senior General of Myanmar.
• Putin and SCO Engagements: In addition, Russian President Vladimir Putin has landed in China for the two-day SCO Summit, where he will meet with Modi. PM Modi reaffirmed India's support for peace efforts in a phone conversation with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky prior to this.
• Innovation at SCO: At one of the biggest SCO meetings ever, which brought together leaders from more than 20 countries, China showcased its technological prowess by introducing Xiao He, a humanoid robot that can help journalists in multiple languages.

Why This Visit Matters

This visit is being viewed as a turning point in India-China relations, especially amid global geopolitical shifts. With both nations marking the 75th anniversary of diplomatic ties, the emphasis on partnership rather than rivalry could pave the way for cooperation in trade, connectivity, and global governance.

As Xi Jinping put it: “It is the right choice for the dragon and the elephant to walk together.”

The Significance of This Visit

Given the current geopolitical climate, this visit is seen as a watershed in India-China relations. The focus on partnership rather than rivalry may open the door for collaboration in global governance, trade, and connectivity as both countries commemorate the 75th anniversary of their diplomatic relations.

"It is the right choice for the dragon and the elephant to walk together," as Xi Jinping stated.