China-India relations have improved steadily: Xu Wei
our shared heritage in Buddhism, Tagore, yoga, and tea continues to connect us
Kolkata: China-India relations have improved steadily. Two-way trade hit a record $155.62 billion, up 12.4% year-on-year, highlighted Consul General Xu Wei of the People’s Republic of China at a reception to mark the upcoming Chinese New Year, on Tuesday, February 3.
Hailing bilateral ties, established 75 years ago the Consul General noted how both countries, guided by their leaders, have taken incremental steps for the normalization of relations. “China resumed the pilgrimages for Indians to the sacred mountain and lake in Xizang Autonomous Region, and we believe that this year will witness more Indian devotees. India restored tourist visas to Chinese citizens. Several direct flights also resumed and we are hoping to have more direct flights this year. These measures are warmly welcomed by our two peoples,” he said.
Recalling the words of Chinese President Xi Jinping in his congratulatory message to the Indian leadership on India’s Republic Day, the envoy said that it should be the right choice for China and India to be good-neighborly friends and partners that help each other succeed, and to have the dragon and the elephant dance in harmony.
The Chinese Lunar New Year, also known as the Spring Festival, which begins from 17th February this year, in Chinese tradition will be the year of the Horse. Elaborating on this tradition Xu Wei explained that “The Silver Snake dances farewell to the old year, the Golden Steed gallops forth to welcome the new.” So, we are going to say bye bye to the year of the Snake, and welcome the year of the Horse.”
Extending greetings to guests and compatriots at the reception, the Consul General highlighted China ‘s many achievements over the past year. “Looking back on 2025, China’s economy demonstrated remarkable resilience and vitality. Amidst a complex global landscape, China firmly surged forward and delivered an impressive performance. Our GDP grew by 5% to reach 140 trillion RMB (approximately 20 trillion USD).The growth rate continued to rank among the top of the world’s major economies. We have made inspiring breakthroughs in frontier fields like AI, quantum technology, and clean energy, solidifying our role not just as the “world’s factory” but increasingly as the “world’s innovation hub.”
“Contributing about 30% of global growth, China continues to be the most stable and reliable engine for the world’s economic recovery,” he pointed out. “At the SCO Tianjin Summit, President Xi Jinping’s Global Governance Initiative offered much-needed stability and injected a positive energy into a world of change and chaos, winning wide international acclaim”.
“China is now a dual engine: the factory for the world’s goods, and a hub for the world’s new ideas,” he underscored, mentioning that Chinese achievements simultaneously include cultural exports too, in the formof movies, video games, web series, etc.
Explaining that in Chinese culture the year of the Horse symbolizes vitality, loyalty, and success as the Consul General expressed hope for China-India relations, that “we anticipate even steadier progress. A sound and stable relationship between us is not only in our peoples’ fundamental interests, but is crucial for peace and development in Asia and the entire world.”
“Eastern India, with its rich culture, has a long history of friendship with China. Just as the flowing waters of the Ganges and the Yangtze river surge forward separately yet ultimately converge into the same ocean of human civilization, our shared heritage in Buddhism, Tagore, yoga, and tea continues to connect ,” he noted optimistically.
“The Chinese Consulate General will continue to serve as a bridge, bringing more outstanding Chinese cultural resources to Eastern India and deepening the bonds between our peoples,”he pledged in conclusion.
The Consul General ‘s powerful address was followed by a vibrant Chinese cultural program which included Chinese songs and dances executed by Indian students of Chinese culture.
A crowd puller was the Dragon dance implemented by James Liao’s group.
A major highlight of the evening ‘s program was the rendering of two popular Bollywood songs by a Chinese student.
The festive happy celebrations , held at Hyatt Regency, were rounded off by a sumptuous and lavish spread, featuring Chinese and Indian cuisines.
India and China have been taking steps to normalise bilateral relations, which had plummeted after the 2020 Galwan standoff.
However, Chinese culture and history have historically had a special place in people’s heart in Eastern India. A major breakthrough this year was the participation of the People’s Republic at the globally renowned International Kolkata Book Fair.
Kolkata boasts India’s only China Town, with an expatriate Chinese community who made the city their home for almost two centuries.
The evening at Hyatt was a testimony to this special bond that the city feels and holds with its eastern neighbouring country.
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