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‘Hindi-Chini Bhai Bhai’: Decoding China’s Velvet Diplomacy In Delhi, And A Message To ‘Bully’ Trump

In a display of velvet diplomacy, China’s ambassador Xu Feihong extended a hand to Delhi, calling India and China the “double engines of economic growth in Asia”, while taking a subtle dig at “bully” US President Donald Trump.

PM Narendra Modi which China’s Premier Xi Jinping.

In a striking display of velvet diplomacy, China’s ambassador to India Xu Feihong sought to reset ties with New Delhi, invoking the language of intimacy and power. “We are the double engines of economic growth in Asia,” he said, adding that India and China must be “like relatives” who visit each other freely.

Asia’s ‘Double Engines Of Economic Growth’

“We are the double engines of economic growth in Asia… India and China unity benefits the world at large.. India and China have the responsibility to take the lead in promoting an equal and orderly multipolar world… our ties should be so close that people of our countries can visit each other like relatives,” Feihong said.

His words, delivered against the backdrop of turbulent international relations and an increasingly combative Donald Trump, carried the unmistakable tone of a charm offensive—at once a hand extended to Delhi and a rebuke aimed squarely at Washington’s “bully.” “US has imposed tariffs of up to 50% on India and even threatened for more. China firmly opposes it. Silence only emboldens the bully. China will firmly stand with India,” he said.

Feihong also underlined steps taken to ease exchanges, noting, “China has resumed the visit of Indian pilgrims to the sacred mountain and lake, and India has resumed issuing tourist visas to Chinese nationals.”

Speaking about Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s upcoming visit to China, Feihong said, “In the coming days, PM Modi will travel to China to attend the SCO Summit. I believe this visit will give a new impetus to China-India relations.”

‘Partners, Not Rivals’

Speaking on the broader global context, Feihong pointed to what he called a shifting world order. “The world today is experiencing a turbulent period; the international order is undergoing the most profound evolution since World War II… At this moment of turbulence and change, the significance of China and India relations has become increasingly evident. China-India cooperation benefits both countries. China and India are important neighbours, major developing countries… Both countries are at the critical stage of national rejuvenation.”
He sought to frame India and China as natural partners, not adversaries. “For two neighbouring countries of such size, unity and cooperation are the only way to achieve common development… China and India’s friendship benefits Asia… China and India should enhance strategic mutual trust, and avoid mutual suspicion. Both countries are partners, not rivals. We should manage differences through dialogue,” he said.

 

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