China’s ambassador to India, Xu Feihong, said on Thursday that the rapid development of both China and India over recent decades stems from their own “hard work and wisdom,” supported by international cooperation, and not from the “generosity” of other countries. His comments were widely seen as a response to remarks by US Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau, who recently described past US economic support for China as a “mistake” Washington will not repeat with India.
Speaking at the 14th China-India Youth Dialogue, Xu did not name the United States but delivered a thinly veiled critique, accusing some actors of wanting to prevent harmony between Beijing and New Delhi. “Some people are unwilling to see China and India live in harmony. They deliberately amplify our differences, hype up the so-called ‘China threat,’ and hope to profit from discord between our two countries,” he said.
Xu urged both nations to pursue development through their own efforts while deepening mutually beneficial cooperation and supporting each other’s success. “China and India are neighbours that cannot be moved apart. It should be the right choice for both sides to be good-neighbourly friends and partners that help each other succeed, and realise the Dragon-Elephant Tango,” he added.
Referring to recent high-level meetings, the ambassador said relations between the two countries have moved from “a reset and fresh start” to a new stage of improvement, with positive progress across exchanges and cooperation in various fields. He emphasized the need for strategic leadership by national leaders as well as greater mutual understanding and affinity between the peoples of both countries.
Xu also encouraged young people to form independent judgments and avoid remaining in an “information cocoon” amid complex global developments. He argued that China and India, as the world’s two largest developing countries and major emerging economies, carry responsibilities that go beyond bilateral ties and have significant global and strategic implications.
Highlighting global challenges, Xu warned against rising unilateralism, protectionism, hegemonism and power politics, which he said undermine the international order. He called on China and India, as prominent members of the Global South, to strengthen communication and coordination, jointly safeguard the legitimate rights and interests of developing countries, and lead the Global South toward greater development. “We should carry forward the ‘Eastern wisdom’ of peaceful coexistence and mutual learning, and prevent the world from reverting to the law of the jungle,” he said.
