NEW DELHI — Chinese Ambassador Xu Feihong has rejected claims that external powers fueled the economic rise of Beijing and New Delhi, asserting that the “remarkable” development of both nations is a product of their own people’s labor and wisdom rather than the “generosity” of others.
Speaking at the 14th China-India Youth Dialogue, the envoy’s remarks served as a direct rebuttal to recent comments from US Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau. Landau had previously characterized past US economic support for China as a “mistake” that Washington intended to avoid repeating with India.
Rebuffing External Narratives
Without naming the United States directly, Ambassador Xu took a thinly veiled dig at Western perspectives that suggest global powers “gave” China its competitive edge.
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Self-Reliance: He emphasized that while global cooperation played a role, the core achievements of both China and India are built on the “hard work and wisdom” of their respective citizens.
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The “China Threat” Myth: Xu warned against “certain elements” that aim to profit from discord between the two neighbors by amplifying differences and hyping up security concerns.
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Independent Thinking: He urged the youth of both nations to step out of “information cocoons” and think independently about the bilateral relationship.
The “Dragon-Elephant Tango”
The Ambassador highlighted that as the world’s two largest developing economies, the relationship between China and India transcends simple bilateral ties and holds global strategic significance.
Key Strategic Goals Outlined:
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Mutual Success: Advocated for the “Dragon-Elephant Tango,” where both nations act as partners helping each other succeed rather than competitors.
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Global South Leadership: Called for strengthened coordination to safeguard the rights of developing countries against rising unilateralism and protectionism.
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Peaceful Coexistence: Urged a return to “Eastern wisdom” to prevent international relations from reverting to the “law of the jungle.”
Improving Bilateral Ties
Xu noted that following high-level meetings between President Xi Jinping and Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Kazan and Tianjin, relations have moved beyond a “reset” to a “new level of improvement.” He stressed that the future of this progress depends heavily on mutual understanding and affinity between the people of both nations.
