In the city of Chennai, also known as Mamallapuram, in India, the Prime Minister of India and the President of the People’s Republic of China held their second Informal Summit. This follows the first India-China informal summit, where the Wuhan spirit was invoked, and has set the stage for what is being called the “Chennai Connect.” These informal summits act as outlets to discuss a variety of topics, are not specific in purpose, and often play more significant roles in diplomatic dialogue than formal exchanges. The summits serve as supplementary exchanges to annual summits.
Key Points Reiterated from the First Informal Summit in Wuhan
Both countries utilized this summit to revisit the consensus reached during the first informal summit in Wuhan. It was a mutual understanding to view India and China as factors for stability in the current international landscape and emphasizes the importance of managing differences so they do not develop into disputes.
Economic Development: Establishing High-Level Economic and Trade Dialogue Mechanism
One major takeaway from the summit was the decision to establish a high-level economic and trade dialogue mechanism to enhance trade and commercial relations. A manufacturing partnership will also be established to promote mutual investments in identified sectors.
Support for a Multilateral Trading System
India and China agreed to support and strengthen a rules-based multilateral trading system. Both nations also promised to work towards open and inclusive trade arrangements, thus ensuring an inclusive international order.
Addressing Strategic Issues: Solving Boundary Issues
A notable strategic issue discussed was boundary issues, which are agreed to be resolved based on a mutually-agreed framework that adheres to political parameters and guiding principles. The sides decided in 2005 that enhanced strategic communication would maximize usage of high-level exchanges like dialogues mechanisms.
Fighting Against Terrorism
Both nations recognized the joint effort needed to strengthen the international framework against the training and financing of terrorist groups worldwide, on a non-discriminatory basis.
Establishing Sister-State Relations
Given their age-old commercial and maritime connections, both countries agreed to establish Sister-State Relations between Tamil Nadu in India and Fujian Province in China. An academy will be established to study the links between these regions, emulating the experience between Ajanta and Dunhuang.
| India-China Key Points | Description |
|---|---|
| Economic Development Dialogue Mechanism | To enhance trade and commercial relations |
| Multilateral Trading System Support | Strengthen the rules-based multilateral trading system |
| Strategy | Solve boundary issues based on a mutually agreed framework |
| Terrorism | Joint efforts against training and financing of terrorist groups |
| Sister-State Relations | Relations between Tamil Nadu and Fujian Province |
The 70th Anniversary of India-China Relations
2020 will mark the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations between India and China. To celebrate this occasion, the two countries plan to organize 70 activities emphasizing the historical connection between their two civilizations.
Why Mamallapuram was Chosen
India selected Mamallapuram as a symbol of its ‘soft power.’ This town is renowned for its architecture and was essential to the Pallava dynasty that ruled parts of South India from 275 CE to 897 CE. Its historical relevance played a significant role in the earliest recorded security pact between India and China in the early 8th century.
Significance of the Wuhan Spirit
The Wuhan Spirit aligns with the five principles of peaceful coexistence, jointly advocated by China and India in the 1950s. It highlighted their desire to form the “backbone” of economic globalization and make positive contributions to global peace and development. For the first time, the two nations decided to cooperate on a joint project in Afghanistan.
A View on Fujian Province
The Fujian province, located on the southeastern coast of China, plays an essential role in China’s relationship with India. It is one of China’s smaller provinces and is situated opposite the island of Taiwan. The province will be in focus as it forms a sister-state relationship with Tamil Nadu.