New Delhi: Xu Feihong has said that the economic progress of India and China over the past several decades has been driven by the hard work and determination of their people rather than the generosity of other nations.
Speaking at the 14th China India Youth Dialogue, the envoy stated that both countries have achieved remarkable development through their own efforts while also benefiting from global cooperation. He emphasised that the growth of the two Asian economies cannot be attributed to external assistance alone.
The remarks were widely viewed as a response to recent comments made by Christopher Landau, who had suggested that past economic support from the United States helped accelerate China’s rise and described that policy as a mistake Washington would avoid repeating with India.
Without naming any country directly, the Chinese ambassador suggested that some forces seek to drive a wedge between India and China by amplifying differences and promoting narratives about a so called China threat. According to him, such efforts are intended to create discord and benefit from tensions between the two neighbours.
Xu said India and China should instead focus on strengthening cooperation and pursuing development through mutual support. He described the two nations as neighbours whose relationship carries significance beyond bilateral ties, given their position as the world’s largest developing countries and major emerging economies.
He also referred to recent interactions between Xi Jinping and Narendra Modi, noting that the discussions had helped move bilateral relations toward renewed engagement and improved cooperation across several sectors.
Calling for closer understanding between the people of both nations, the ambassador said that stronger communication and collaboration could help build a stable partnership often described as the “Dragon Elephant Tango”.
He further urged both countries to work together to safeguard the interests of developing nations and support the aspirations of the Global South. In an international environment marked by growing protectionism and geopolitical competition, he said India and China should promote cooperation, peaceful coexistence and shared development rather than confrontation.
