Weidong has given a Five Point Formula for Strengthening Sino-India Ties

On the occasion of the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between India and China, Chinese Ambassador to India Sun Weidong has given a Five Point Formula for Strengthening Sino-India Ties, on the lines of Nehru’s Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence signed between the two countries in 1954.

By Onkareshwar Pandey

New Delhi, April 2, 2020: As the global score of new coronavirus cases has crossed 936,886 and fast approaching to touch One Million, with the number of Death toll reached at 47,264, and India’s tally of Corona Virus positive cases risen to 2032 in with the total death toll of 58, the Chinese Ambassador to India Sun Weidong has given a Five Point Formula for Strengthening Sino-India Ties, on the lines of Nehru’s Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence signed between the two countries in 1954.

“Today's achievements of China-India relations embodied the great efforts of several generations of our two peoples. We can draw some inspirations and experiences from the past: 

• First, adhere to the strategic guidance of the leaders.
• Second, grasp the general trend of friendly cooperation.
• Third, expand the momentum of mutually beneficial cooperation.
• Fourth, enhance the coordination on international and regional affairs.
• Fifth, properly manage differences.

Greetings with folded hands saying ‘Indian friends Namastey’, the Chinese ambassador to India Weidong, gave the above formula in his video message, on the occasion of the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between India and China.

“We also need to master the four keys of "leading, transmitting, shaping and integrating"."Leading" means to reach consensus and guide the direction of the development of bilateral relations under the guidance of our two leaders. "Transmitting" means to transmit the leaders’ consensus to all levels and translate it into tangible cooperation and outcomes. "Shaping" means to go beyond the mode of managing differences, shape bilateral relations actively and accumulate positive momentum. "Integrating" means to strengthen exchanges and cooperation promote convergence of interests and achieve common development,” Weidong stated.

His message coincides with China, as president of the UN Security Council, ignoring a plea by Pakistani foreign minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi for "urgent and appropriate" consideration of what the latter described as grave developments in Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) in March this year. Pakistan wrote to then UNSC President, China’s Zhang Jun, on March 9 highlighting the "grave human rights situation" in J&K. Pakistan announced this development only on March 27.

On Tuesday, the government had announced that Air India had established a cargo air-bridge between India and China, which has worked overtime to convince the world that it’s not responsible for Covid-19 origin, for transporting critical medical equipment and supplies between the two countries.

Seventy years ago, on April 1, 1950, China and India had established diplomatic relations. India was the first non-socialist country to establish relations with the People's Republic of China. "Hindi Chini Bhai Bhai" had become a catchphrase from that time and a much-told story in the history of bilateral exchanges.

Four years later, in 1954, Chinese Premier Zhou Enlai visited India. China and India signed the Joint Statement and jointly advocated the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence, known to be charted by the then Indian Prime Minister Jawahar Lal Nehru, who in the same year, visited China and became the first head of government of a non-socialist country to visit China since the founding of the People's Republic of China.

In 1955, Chinese Premier Zhou Enlai and Indian Prime Minister Nehru attended the Asian-African Conference in which 29 countries participated in Bandung, Indonesia and jointly advocated the Bandung Spirit of solidarity, friendship and cooperation.

However, in 1962, the Chinese attack on India led to a serious setback in the bilateral relations of both countries.

Almost 14 years later, in 1976, China and India restored ambassadorial relations and bilateral ties improved gradually. In 1988, Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi visited China, initiating the process of normalization of bilateral relations. The two sides agreed to "look forward" and develop bilateral relations actively in other fields while seeking a mutually acceptable solution to boundary question.

In 1991, Chinese Premier Li Peng visited India. The Prime Minister level mutual visits were restored after decades of suspension. And since then both countries have made considerable progress in their relationship with several exchanges and visits from both sides.

In 1992, President R. Venkataraman visited China. He was the first President who visited China since the independence of the Republic of India. In 1993, Prime Minister Narasimha Rao visited China and an agreement between the two countries was signed on the Maintenance of Peace and Tranquility along the Line of Actual Control in the India-China Border Areas.

In 1996, Chinese President Jiang Zemin visited India. He was the first head of state from China who visited India since the establishment of bilateral ties. And agreement on Confidence Building Measures in the Military Field along the Line of Actual Control in the India-China Border Areas was signed.

In 2000, President K R Narayanan visited China on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between China and India. In 2002, Premier Zhu Rongji visited India. In 2003, Prime Minister Vajpayee visited China. The two sides signed The Declaration on the Principles and Comprehensive Cooperation in China-India Relations and agreed to establish the special representatives meeting mechanism on India-China boundary question.

In 2005, Chinese Premier Wen Jia Bao and in 2006, President Hu Jintao visited India. The two sides signed a   Joint Declaration to formulate the ten-pronged strategy for deepening the strategic and cooperative partnership.

In 2008, Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh visited China. "A Shared Vision for the 21st Century" was agreed upon by the two governments.

In 2010, Indian President Patil visited China in May, which coincided with the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between China and India. In December, Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao visited India and the two sides issued a Joint Communiqué.

2011 was the "China-India Exchange Year". Both sides held a series of people-to-people and cultural exchange activities, and signed a memorandum on joint compilation for the "Encyclopedia of India-China Cultural Contacts". A 500-member Indian youth delegation visited China.

2012 was the “Year of China-India Friendship and Cooperation”. Chinese President Hu Jintao and Premier Wen Jiabao met with PM Dr Manmohan Singh respectively on the sidelines of the 4th BRICS Summit and the UN Conference on Sustainable Development. A 500-member Chinese youth delegation visited India.

In 2013, President Jinping again met with PM Dr Manmohan Singh on the sidelines of the 5th BRICS Summit in Durban, South Africa in March. Chinese Premier Li Keqiang visited India in May and PM Dr. Manmohan Singh visited China in October.

2014 is the "China-India Friendly Exchange Year". In September, President Xi Jinping paid a state visit to India and visited Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's home state of Gujarat. In the same year, President Jinping and Premier Li Keqiang met with PM Modi respectively on the sidelines of the 6th BRICS Summit and the Leaders' Meetings on East Asia Cooperation in Myanmar. 

In 2015, PM Modi visited China and went to President Jinping's hometown Xi'an. In the same year, President Jinping and Premier Li Keqiang met with PM Modi respectively on the sidelines of the 7th BRICS Summit in Ufa and the Leaders' Meetings on East Asia Cooperation in Malaysia. China decided to open the Nathu La Pass to Indian official pilgrims to Xizang. India celebrated the India Tourism Year in China.

In 2016, President Mukherjee visited China. PM Modi visited China to attend the G20 Summit in Hangzhou and met with President Jinping on the sidelines. President Jinping visited India to participate in the 8th BRICS Summit in Goa and met with PM Modi on the sidelines. China celebrated China Tourism Year in India.

In 2017, President Jinping met with PM Modi on the sidelines of the SCO Summit in Astana. PM Modi visited China to attend the 9th BRICS Summit in Xiamen and met with President Jinping on the sidelines.

In 2018, President Jinping held an informal meeting with PM Modi in Wuhan. They agreed to set up a new model of exchanges between two leaders and became a milestone in the history of bilateral relations. In the same year, PM Modi visited China to attend the SCO Summit in Qingdao and met with President Jinping on the sidelines. The two leaders met again on the sidelines of the 10th BRICS Summit and the G20 Summit in Buenos Aires later in the year.

In 2019, PM Modi held the second informal meeting with Chinese President Jinping in Chennai. In the same year, PM Modi met with President Jinping on the sidelines of the SCO Summit in Bishkek and the 11th BRICS Summit.

2020 marks the year of the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and India. It is also China-India Year of Cultural and People-to-People Exchanges. The two sides have agreed to hold 70 celebratory activities to demonstrate the historic connection between the two civilizations as well as their growing bilateral relationship over the years.

Chinese ambassador to India, in a series of tweets, said, “Today marks #70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties b/t #China & #India. At this moment, it's imperative to recall original aspiration, carry forward the spirit of good-neighborly friendship, explore on how to coexist with each other between major neighboring countries.”

He said that #China & #India are partners sailing in the same boat. Facing #COVID19 around the world, we are helping each other. We are confident that we can handle and win the battle with solidarity. It highlights the spirit of mutual assistance & working together through thick and thin. 

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in his message on this occasion, has said over the past 70 years, #India-#China political, economic and cultural relations have expanded steadily. India and China should strengthen coordination and mutual solidarity and jointly tackle the challenges faced by the world.

“#India looks forward to furthering our relationship with #China and working together to broaden and deepen our Closer Development Partnership,” PM Modi said.

In his response, Chinese Ambassador to India Weidong said, “#China is ready to join hands with #India to build on the momentum created by this 70th anniversary to work for new progress in our strategic and cooperative partnership.”

Two days ago, on March 31, the second batch of a donation from Chinese charity organizations Jack Ma and Alibaba Foundations arrived in Delhi and were received by the Indian Red Cross Society. The donation includes protective clothes, masks, respirators and ventilators.

On April 1, 2020, Chinese President Xi Jinping, and President Ram Nath Kovind exchanged messages of felicitations to celebrate the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries.

President Kovind stated in his message that over the last 70 years, India-China relations have substantially expanded. “As two ancient civilizations, neighboring countries as well as large emerging economies, good relations between India and China are not only in our mutual interest but also important for peace and prosperity of the world at large. We, in India, look forward to furthering our relationship with China and working together to broaden and deepen our Closer Development Partnership,” President Kovind said.

President Jinping in his message noted that China-India relations have travelled a remarkable journey in the last seven decades.

“Our two countries are enjoying deeper exchanges and cooperation across the board and growing coordination in major international and regional affairs.

China-India relations have now reached a new starting point with new opportunities to be grasped. I place great importance on this partnership and am ready to work with President Kovind to take it to a new level. A stronger China-India relationship will bring more benefits to our two countries and peoples and contribute more positive energy to Asia and the world at large,” President Jinping said.

On the same day, PM Modi also exchanged messages of felicitations with Chinese Premier Li Keqiang.

PM Modi stated that over the past 70 years since the establishment of diplomatic ties, India-China political, economic and cultural relations have expanded steadily. India and China should strengthen coordination and mutual solidarity, and jointly tackle the challenges faced by the world.

Chinese Premier Li Keqiang stated that a relationship defined by friendship, cooperation and mutual benefit will serve the fundamental interests of both countries and peoples, and benefit Asia and the world at large. China is ready to join hands with India to build on the momentum created by this 70th anniversary to work for new progress in our strategic and cooperative partnership.

Chinese Ambassador to India Sun Weidong has also written an article in India’s leading English daily Times of India and stated, “At present, China-India relations stand at a new starting point and usher in new opportunities. We should draw wisdom from our thousands of years of civilizations and explore a way for neighboring and emerging major countries to get along with each other in accordance with enhancing mutual trust, focusing on cooperation, managing differences and seeking common development".

“President Kovind and PM Modi have both said that the whole world is a family, which strikes a chord with Chinese philosophy concept of "universal peace" and "universal love". “The ancient oriental wisdom is still full of vitality today. I believe that China and India have enough foresight and the ability to join hands to realize "Dragon-Elephant Tango", create brilliant future in the next 70 years and write together a new chapter in building a community with a shared future for mankind!,” Chinese Ambassador to Weidong concludes.

The fact is Elephant and Dragon i.e. India and China has been strengthening their Political and Diplomatic Relations quietly over the last decade. There is significant Practical Cooperation between the two Asian giants, in contrary to the strong wave of anti-china sentiment visible in Indian social media, especially after the COVID-19 pandemic.   

Since 2014, the two countries have held frequent exchanges of high-level visits. PM Modi has had 16 bilateral meetings and 2 informal summits with Chinese President Jinping and exchanged in-depth views on overarching, long-term and strategic issues of global and regional importance. Since 2014, the BJP has sent 4 senior delegations to visit China and sent representatives 4 times to China to attend the international conferences held by the Communist Party of China (CPC).

The trade between China and India has grown from less than $3 billion, in the beginning of the 21st century, to nearly $100 billion, an increase of about 32 times. In 2019, the trade volume between China and India was $92.68 billion.

With a combined market of over 2.7 billion people and a GDP of 20% of the world's total, China and India enjoy huge potential and broad prospects for economic and trade cooperation. Chinese companies’ cumulative investment in India is more than 8 billion US dollars. Chinese brand Smartphones are popular with Indian people, with 4 of the top 5 Smartphones come from China.

More than 1,000 Chinese companies have increased their investment in industrial parks, e-commerce and other areas in India, with 200,000 local jobs created. Indian companies are also actively expanding the Chinese market, with a cumulative investment of nearly 1 billion US dollars in China. According to Indian statistics, more than two-thirds of Indian companies investing in China are making steady profits.

There are 134 flights linking major cities of the two countries every week, among which China has 94 flights to India and India has 40 flights to China(excluding the flights between the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of China and Indian cities).

More than 20,000 Indian youth are studying in China, and over 2,000 young Chinese are studying in India. Two-way personnel exchanges between China and India have exceeded 1 million, among which more than 800,000 Indians visit China (excluding an average of 700,000 Indians visiting the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of China each year) and more than 200,000 Chinese visits India.

The two countries have established 14 pairs of sister cities and provinces and will establish sister provinces and cities between Fujian Province and Tamil Nadu State, Quanzhou City and Chennai City. The number of Indian pilgrims to the Xizang Autonomous Region of China has surged from several hundred in the 1980s to more than 20,000 in 2019.

Despite differences on several issues, India and China shares century’s old commonalities in culture and civilization.

The Global Pandemic COVID-19 has given new opportunities for the people, societies and the global community to look beyond the differences, whether it relates to caste, religion, region, country or the continent. It is time to look for common cooperation among societies and nations. Several countries have already realized this. They are breaking the barriers and coming closer to fight this global challenge to save mankind. India and China should also chart a new path on the basis of mutual trust, and cooperation for saving lives and making progress together.   

Image credit - Twitter Handle of Chinese Ambassador in India / CN / China Daily 

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(Onkareshwar Pandey is Founder, Editor in Chief & CEO, Indian Observer Post, and former Senior Group Editor- Rashtriya Sahara (Hindi & Urdu) and also former Editor, (News), ANI. http://bit.ly/2mh7hih) Email – editoronkar@gmail.com)