China and India: New Vision, Old Tensions

On Jan. 14, during his first official visit to Beijing, India Prime Minister Manmohan Singh sat down with Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao in the Great Hall of the People to emphasize what the two Asian giants have in common. The leaders signed a seven-page document that covers issues such as their fast-growing economic ties, defense cooperation, antiterrorism efforts, and climate and energy policies. Noting that India and China "are the two largest developing nations on earth representing more than one-third of humanity," the document goes on to note that the countries with a history of mutual suspicion are now "convinced that it is time to look to the future in building a relationship," and that "China-India friendship and common development will have a positive influence on the future of the international system."

"This vision expresses our common ground concerning major international and regional issues and will serve as important guidance for the growth of our relations," said Wen. Singh called it "an important milestone in the evolution of our relations. It reflects not only our common perceptions but also our desire to purposefully cooperate in the future."