China’s Xi Jinping Holds Rare Meeting with Indian Foreign Minister
On February 2nd, 2015, Chinese President Xi Jinping held a rare meeting with the Indian External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj during her visit to the People’s Republic of China. Although this was the first time Swaraj visited China during her current post, her productive meetings with the Chinese head of state demonstrates the significant value that China places on its bilateral relations with its Asian neighbour. Such a welcome to Swaraj, along with the many economic projects planned between the two countries, may be indicative of how China hopes to solidify India as a reliable regional partner.
Hosted in the Great Hall of the People, which is usually reserved for visiting heads of state, Xi and Swaraj primarily discussed details of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s eventual state visit to China. According to the Chinese news outlet Global Times, the talks laid the foundation for a “results-based” meeting between Xi and Modi, as well as touching upon the subjects of border disputes and Chinese investment in India. Xi is also expected to bring Modi to his home province of Shaanxi to return the hospitality that Xi experienced during the Chinese president’s visit to India last September, when Modi hosted him in his home state of Gujarat. This exchange demonstrates the budding amicability between the two leaders, at least in the public limelight.
Swaraj also conducted a meeting with the Chinese foreign minister Wang Yi that primarily touched upon economic cooperation between the two rising Asian powers. As reported by the Chinese news outlet People’s Daily, Wang emphasized how China and India should focus on “promoting the pragmatic cooperation in the fields of railways, industrial parks, smart cities, tourism, education, culture and religious pilgrimages.” The two foreign ministers also discussed the project of the New Maritime Silk Road: an economic program that would connect South Asia and Africa with China in unprecedented levels of trade and cultural exchange.
The meetings between Xi and Swaraj, as well as between Wang and Swaraj, symbolized the importance that China attaches to its relationship with India. While foreign ministers who visit China usually only receive an audience with their counterparts, this meeting with the Chinese head of state demonstrates the commitment of China to maintaining a constructive partnership. As both Chinese and Indian cultures place a premium on upholding personal honour, the manner with which officials are received can be just as important as the subjects that are discussed. A failure to respect this protocol was exemplified through the arrest and strip-search of Indian diplomat Devyrani Khobragade in December 2013. This incident caused a chilling of U.S.-India diplomatic ties that the U.S. has only just begun to repair. Thus the special reception of Swaraj shows that China seeks to create a precedent of cooperation with India by leaving an impression of respect upon Indian officials. This foundation of mutual respect could lead to greater collaboration on projects that touch upon sensitive subjects, such as the Kashmir dispute.
Another interpretation of this meeting is that it is a response to the recent visit to India by U.S. President Barack Obama. Even though it was the first time Obama had visited India since Modi took office, he and Modi were able to sign multiple agreements. An opinion piece on People’s Daily reported that the agreements detailed policies on nuclear materials and support for a position for India as a permanent member of the United Nations Security Council. Although Chinese sources claim that the meeting between Xi and Swaraj was planned before Obama’s visit, the newfound rapport established between Modi and Obama has put pressure on Chinese officials to strengthen their relationship with India. This would mean enacting measures to counter the supposed rivalry that, according to the Chinese state media, Obama is trying to foster. As mentioned previously, a more amicable relationship between China and India would establish greater cooperation that could diminish American influence in the region if India sees China as a more trustworthy partner.
Driven by geopolitical and economic interests, China has all the incentive to give special treatment to visiting Indian officials. The meeting between Xi and Swaraj demonstrates that China regards India more as a crucial partner than a competitor in Asia, and thus hopes to solidify this relationship through high-level state visits and mutual amicability.