China-India Relations

Two nuclear-powered neighbours
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Background explainers, news and analysis on relations between China and India, the second and seventh largest economies in the world, covering trade, military, border issues and tensions between Beijing and New Delhi.

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News
Asia Opinion
Members of a trade association holding posters of US President Donald Trump and other placards protest against the recent tariff hikes imposed by the US on India, in New Delhi on August 30. Photo: AFP
Asia Opinion
Opinion|Why India would be strategically naive to count on the US’ favour
Just because the US needs partners to counterbalance China doesn’t mean it needs India. Nor is the US about to help another Asian power rise.
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Japan is concerned about declining US interest in alliances such as the Quad, a Japanese defence researcher says. Photo: AFP
Military
Why Japan is worried about the decline in US ties with India
Japanese defence researcher warns that China could capitalise on tensions between partners.
23
Chinese and Philippine vessels have had frequent run-ins in the South China Sea in recent years. Photo: X/Armed Forces of the Philippines
Military
South China Sea disputes ‘no business’ of India, former navy commander says
But retired vice-admiral Shekhar Sinha calls out Chinese actions in the waterway, saying big countries ‘should be a little more magnanimous’.
19
Chinese President Xi Jinping, Russian President Vladimir Putin and Mongolian President Ukhnaa Khurelsukh hold a trilateral meeting at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing on September 2. Photo: Xinhua
China Opinion
Opinion|Focusing on pageantry, the West misses the point of China’s diplomacy
The West must realise the real contest is not about pageantry but which power can create space for others to feel secure, dignified, heard.
1
Illustration: Lau Ka-kuen
Diplomacy
As the US retreats, can Xi’s new initiative shape the future world order?
Analysts say the GGI reflects China’s ambitions to shape a multipolar world, but it needs more substance to avoid becoming an ‘empty shell’.
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From the left, Russian President Vladimir Putin, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping talk ahead of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization summit at the Meijiang Convention and Exhibition Center in Tianjin, China, on September 1. Photo: AP
China Opinion
Opinion|China’s moment to rewire the world is arriving. What will it do?
For the first time since the Cold War, the world is between orders and the momentum is with Beijing as geopolitical winds shift eastward.
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Illustration: Victor Sanjinez
Diplomacy
Zheng Yongnian on why China must look beyond the West to build a better AI
Political analyst says strong narrative based on factual Chinese framework must be included in artificial intelligence knowledge feed.
7
Sergio Gor, US President Donald Trump’s nominee to be ambassador to India, during his confirmation hearing on Capitol Hill on Thursday. Photo: Reuters
Diplomacy
‘Just hiccups’: Trump’s India nominee pledges to pull New Delhi away from Beijing
US president’s envoy pick, however, says India must stop buying Russian oil and wants it to open up its market for US products.
18
From the left, Russian President Vladimir Putin, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping talk ahead of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit in the Meijiang Convention and Exhibition Centre in Tianjin on September 1. Photo: AP
China Opinion
Opinion|In a summit full of symbolism, China lays out vision for multipolar order
The context of how Beijing sees its place in the evolving international system was conveyed in a subtle but unambiguous manner in Tianjin.
3
US President Donald Trump during a White House meeting Wednesday. Photo: Reuters
Diplomacy
Trump suggests India is moving towards ‘deepest, darkest’ China orbit
Aides warn that New Delhi could regret the move and might face new curbs.
72
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi talks to media after the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation leaders’ summit in Tianjin, China, on Monday. Photo: AP
Diplomacy
SCO has a 10-year plan for a multipolar world, China’s Wang Yi says
SCO Development Strategy until 2035 has ‘set the tone and a clear direction’ for the decade to come, top Chinese diplomat tells reporters.
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Chinese President Xi Jinping says the SCO needs to achieve “real results” to better protect members from “hegemonic” bullying. Photo: Xinhua
Diplomacy
As US sanctions take toll, Xi Jinping presses SCO to target ‘bullying’
The bloc needs to underpin economic and security cooperation among members, Chinese president says.
30
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin leave together for the venue of their bilateral meeting after attending the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit in Tianjin, China. Photo: X/narendramodi/AFP
Diplomacy
India signals no oil import cut from Russia, ‘eagerly’ awaits Putin visit
‘1.4 billion Indians are eagerly waiting for you,’ India’s Narendra Modi tells Vladimir Putin during ‘excellent’ meeting on SCO sidelines.
20
As his country faces steep US tariffs, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi used the SCO summit in Tianjin on Monday to deepen ties with the leaders of China and Russia. Photo: AP
Diplomacy
Xi, Putin and Modi are grinning and smiling, but at whom?
Narendra Modi sends message to Washington with warm embraces of Chinese, Russian leaders in Tianjin.
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Russia’s Vladimir Putin, India’s Narendra Modi and China’s Xi Jinping. Photo: Kyodo
Daily Pulse|Anti-Trump unity may fail to create SCO harmony
China is hosting Russia, India and other SCO members at the group’s annual summit amid the challenge of turning unified opposition to US tariffs into positive support for closer cooperation.
Live
Chinese President Xi Jinping (centre) with other leaders and SCO summit participants in Tianjin on Monday. Photo: AFP
China
Live
China’s Xi pushes SCO bank as Putin deflects Ukraine blame – as it happened
China welcomes dozens of political heavyweights, including Vladimir Putin and Narendra Modi, and chiefs of international organisations.
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Chinese President Xi Jinping meets Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Tianjin on Sunday. Photo: Handout via AP
Diplomacy
Xi to Modi: don’t let the border dispute define China-India relations
The two countries are partners, not rivals, Chinese president says as US threats present the chance for a reset between the Asian giants.
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Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi talks to Chinese President Xi Jinping during a Brics summit in Goa in 2016. Photo: AP
Politics
Analysis|China and India: love in the time of cholera
A ‘dragon-elephant tango’ may help lift the gloom of Trump’s tariffs, but will it cure the malady of Sino-Indian relations?
4
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi during a press conference in Tokyo on Friday. Photo: AFP
China
Modi says close China-India ties crucial for a multipolar Asia and world
Indian prime minister to meet with China’s President Xi Jinping at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit.
10
Chinese tourists take a selfie photograph at the ancient Golden Fort of Jaisalmer on Trikuta Hill in the state of Rajasthan, India. Photo: AFP
Lifestyle & Culture
India, China to resume direct flights, opening door for travel boom
Potential for growth and cooperation is ‘substantial’, analysts say, with resumption of flights likely to boost both countries’ economies.
2
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi meets with visiting Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi in New Delhi on August 19. Photo: Xinhua
Diplomacy
India to seek new trade partners, US deal in face of new Trump tariffs
New Delhi launches effort for new trade route around US, with potential partners including China, Russia, Brazil.
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Illustration: Craig Stephens
Asia Opinion
Opinion|China offers South Asia a choice between swords and ploughshares
Wang Yi’s recent visits to India, Afghanistan and Pakistan signalled a specific message for each country, and the wider region.
1
Illustration: Craig Stephens
China Opinion
Opinion|How Modi’s visit to China can reshape Asia’s future
To build on their new-found consensus, both powers must not only set shared goals but also wisely manage challenges.
4
india
China
Indian villagers resist mega dam amid China water threat
FactSheet|SCO: China-led group pursues sprawling goals
The 10-nation Shanghai Cooperation Organisation, a forum for China and Russia to promote their foreign policy visions, opens its 25th summit in Tianjin on August 31.
Foreign Minister Wang Yi is greeted by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi on August 19. Photo: EPA
China Opinion
Opinion|China must accept India is looking after itself
New Delhi’s strategic autonomy means it will balance ties with all major powers, maximising its own interests without becoming a pawn.
3
Opinion
The View|Together, China and India can be a tech innovation force
India has shot up in innovation rankings with venture capital as a new metric. More could be achieved if India and China joined forces.
Winston Mok
2
Editorial|Sense of urgency as SCO powers work to resist bullying from the West
Summit saw President Xi call for the setting up of an SCO development bank to be expedited and more exchanges to counter the US tech chokepoint.
SCMP Editorial
My Take|Are Trump’s tariffs nudging India and China to mend their ties?
Narendra Modi’s coming visit to Tianjin shows India and China are finding common ground, regardless of Trump’s policies.
Biman Mukherji
1
The View|India still needs China to catch up with Chinese manufacturing
Rather than limit Chinese investment and reduce reliance on China, India should leverage Chinese know-how to become more competitive.
Winston Mok
2
Editorial|China-India ties are warming rapidly in the heat of US trade war
Wang Yi’s visit to New Delhi an important step towards restoring friendship and collaboration at a critical time.
SCMP Editorial
4
Editorial|Transparency key to easing regional concerns over Tibet mega-dam
With delicate diplomatic handling, this ‘project of the century’ can build goodwill and help South Asia’s water-dependent economies.
SCMP Editorial
My Take|China’s latest mega-dam complicates thaw in ties with India
Beijing’s plans for the Yarlung Tsangpo in Tibet risk setting back recent efforts to improve relations between the two neighbours.
Shi Jiangtao
Opinion|China-India border deal is a victory for Russia’s Vladimir Putin
Credit to Russian leader for Beijing-New Delhi mediation says much about Moscow’s influence in an increasingly chaotic world, and what it stands to gain.
Shi Jiangtao
2
Editorial|Xi-Modi handshake is a welcome sign of a warming relationship
Resolution of dispute that sparked a border skirmish and talks between the leaders of China and India bring hopes of a lasting reset of ties.
SCMP Editorial
1
Opinion|China watches as Indian, Russian leaders hug out power diplomacy
Despite warm greetings and ‘no limits’ partnerships, leaders of the three powerful countries must navigate constant friction in their triangular dynamic.
Shi Jiangtao
12
Editorial|Lost opportunity for Modi and China ties
By missing summit of Shanghai Cooperation Organisation, Indian PM has wasted chance to address strained relations between two countries.
SCMP Editorial
4
Opinion|Xi’s snub of Modi suggests China-India relations are still a worry
Beijing has sent a new envoy to New Delhi, but the Chinese leader still hasn’t congratulated Narendra Modi on his election win.
Shi Jiangtao
4
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