From ‘Dragon and the Elephant’ to ‘Pillars of the Global South’ – How Chinese Media Covered PM Modi’s Visit
Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to China after seven years was prominently covered by Chinese state media. During the visit, PM Modi attended the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit in Tianjin and met several global leaders, including Chinese President Xi Jinping.
The Global Times, a state-run Chinese outlet, highlighted Xi Jinping’s remarks, stating that “China and India are cooperation partners, not rivals. As long as the two countries stick to this overarching direction, China-India relations can sustain steady and long-term growth.” Xi also said that China and India should be good neighbours and partners helping each other succeed.
PM Modi too shared details of his meeting with Xi on X, saying – “Had a fruitful meeting with President Xi Jinping in Tianjin on the sidelines of the SCO Summit. We reviewed the positive momentum in India-China relations since our last meeting in Kazan. We agreed on the importance of maintaining peace and tranquillity in border areas and reaffirmed our commitment to cooperation based on mutual respect, mutual interest, and mutual sensitivity.”
‘Dragon and the Elephant’
The Global Times underlined Xi’s oft-repeated metaphor of the ‘dragon and the elephant’, calling cooperation the right choice for China and India. Meanwhile, Xinhua reported that Xi Jinping welcomed PM Modi to the SCO summit, emphasising that the two countries must view their bilateral ties strategically and with a long-term perspective, building on the Tianjin meeting for sustained growth.
Deepening Mutual Trust
During the bilateral, Xi Jinping stressed the need to strengthen strategic communication, deepen mutual trust, expand exchanges, and enhance multilateral cooperation. He added that the border issue should not define the overall China-India relationship and both countries must ensure peace and stability in their border regions.
The meeting came amid rising global uncertainty and US President Donald Trump’s decision to impose a 50% tariff on imports from India, including a 25% duty on Russian oil purchases.
Xinhua further highlighted Xi’s description of India and China as two “pillars of the Global South.” As long as they continue in this overarching direction, their relations can maintain steady and long-term growth.
(With ANI inputs)