Dragon and Elephant resume flights and narrow ties

The resumption of direct flights between China and India strengthens economic, cultural and strategic exchanges between the two largest nations of Asia

China and India have been maintaining close communication to promote early resumption of direct flights between the two countries, said China’s Foreign Ministry spokesman Lin Jian on Thursday. According to him, the constant dialogue between the aviation and diplomatic authorities signals the willingness of both sides to strengthen air connectivity and, consequently, the economic and cultural exchange between the two largest nations of Asia.

“We are working together with India to resume direct air connections next month,” Lin said, adding that the Indian government has already requested that their airlines prepare to operate flights to China in the short term. The spokesman stressed that, adding their populations, China and India house more than 2.8 billion inhabitants, a market of enormous relevance to tourism, business and international cooperation. “The resumption of direct flights will facilitate transionic trips, exchanges and collaboration between our countries,” he said.

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The current moment, according to Lin, demonstrates the maturity and responsibility of the bilateral relationship. Asked about the positive climate in China-India relations and global cooperation between the two countries, he highlighted the symbolism of the “PAS de Deux Cooperative of the Dragon and the Elephant”, referring to the strategic partnership between the two great Asian powers. “This is the right way for both sides, as China and India are large developing countries and important global southern members, capable of supporting each other in strengthening their economies and international influence,” the spokesman explained.

Lin stressed that China is ready to work with India in the implementation of the important understandings achieved by the leaders of both countries. Priorities include increased mutual political confidence, expansion of exchanges and cooperation in multiple sectors, careful management of any differences, always considering the broader strategic panorama, and the intensification of coordination on multilateral platforms such as Shanghai cooperation organization. “Our goal is to promote solid and stable development of China-India relations, reinforcing sovereignty, strategic autonomy and Asian leadership in the global scenario,” said Lin.

For international relations experts, the resumption of direct flights symbolizes more than logistics ease: it is a reflection of strengthening regional cooperation and economic integration between two powers that share similar challenges and ambitions. With a combined population that represents almost a third of humanity, China and India have the ability to positively influence the development of the global south, serving as a partnership model between large emerging countries.

As the dragon and elephant advance side by side, Asia reaffirms its centrality in the world, showing that autonomous regional solutions, built on confidence, mutual respect and common strategic objectives, are able to generate stability, prosperity and innovation for billions of people.

Trump tariffs strengthen BRICS

In addition to bilateral advances, external factors have accelerated China-India integration. The rates unilaterally imposed by former US President Donald Trump created a reverse effect to the expected: instead of weakening, China and India approached, consolidating the BRICS-a block of which Brazil, Russia and South Africa are also part.

Spokesman Lin Jian stressed that the American offensive not only reinforced the importance of autonomous cooperation between the global southern countries, but also showed the need for independent mechanisms, such as BRICS Pay, a system of local currencies launched in 2024. of bilateral relations, ”he said.

While Trump applied rates on Chinese products up to 145% and punished India with 50% rates on exports, Beijing and Nova Delhi advanced in strategic initiatives, expanding economic and diplomatic cooperation. Modi, for example, narrowed ties with Russia and Brazil, while China reinforced its leadership role within BRICS, advocating an agenda of sovereignty and economic independence to the global south.

Conflict history and new strategic moment

China and India share more than six decades of territorial rivalries, from the 1962 Sino-Indian war to the confrontations in Doklam (2017) and Galwan (2020). Despite the episodes of tension, the recent movement towards economic and diplomatic cooperation demonstrates that both countries can place part of their differences aside in the name of higher strategic interests.

“The recent approach represents a significant strategic change,” says international analyst. By prioritizing regional stability and economic integration, China and India not only strengthen BRICS, but also promote a more balanced multipolar order, reducing dependence on traditional power centers and reaffirming Asian sovereignty.

Towards a multipolar and autonomous future

With the resumption of direct flights, the presence of leaders in OCX and the strengthening of BRICS, China and India show that it is possible to build a mature, pragmatic and strategic partnership, capable of generating prosperity and stability for billions of people. The Chinese dragon and the Indian elephant thus consolidate a new chapter in international relations, in which Asia reaffirms its role as a global protagonist, acting with long -term autonomy, cooperation and vision.

With information from Xinhua and Forum Magazine*