China, India made for each other
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Third, in addressing the challenges thrown up by globalization in the Western-dominated international system, China and India should not only rely on their separate efforts, but also strengthen bilateral economic and technical cooperation to reduce dependence on the developed countries for capital and technology, and jointly oppose protectionism.
Fourth, as emerging economies, China and India share a lot of common views on many major international issues such as a multi-polar world, reform of the international economic and financial system, South-North relations, democratization of international relations, climate change and World Trade Organization talks. In recent years, the two sides have enhanced coordination and cooperation over these issues to protect their as well as the entire developing world's interests.
Of course, there are still some unresolved differences between the two countries, from border disputes left over by history to competition in energy, resources and markets, and some trade frictions and investment limitations set by India on Chinese enterprises. Besides, India has always harbored a grudge against China's normal engagement with other South Asian countries. The 1962 border conflict between the two neighbors interrupted healthy development of bilateral relations, and their mutual trust is still to be restored to the highest level. Some ill-intentioned elements are making use of some or all of these problems to create trouble and confusion.
It is heartening that the heads of the two countries accord great importance to bilateral relationship. They have repeatedly stressed that the two sides pose no threat to each other, and that they are partners rather than opponents and their development has increased opportunities of mutually beneficial cooperation.
On the border issue, so far 13 rounds of meetings seek to forge a fair and reasonable solution that both could accept. Because of these talks, peace has been maintained for a long period in border areas.
The two countries are strengthening communication and understanding, increasing mutual trust and respecting each other's core interest through a variety of bilateral cooperation mechanisms, such as strategic dialogue, counter-terrorism talks, defense and security consultation and financial dialogue.
Now they need to step up vigilance, and guard against elements - inside as well as outside their countries - which try to create trouble and push bilateral relations off the tracks.
Against the background of the changing global situation, China-India ties are more stable now and are maturing gradually. Their mutually beneficial cooperation has become more promising. With regard to some media outlets' attempt to derail Sino-Indian ties, the best response of the two countries should be to dismiss interference, adhere firmly to the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence, live together in peace and harmony, further enhance strategic cooperation and jointly realize the goal of peaceful economic growth.
Harmonious China-India relations will not only serve the fundamental interests of the peoples of the two countries, but also benefit the region and bring lasting peace and common prosperity to the world.
The author is director of the Center for South Asian Studies at the Institute of International Studies, Fudan University.
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