Recently, at the Fourth Plenary Session of the 20th Central Committee of the Communist Party of China (CPC) in Beijing, the proposal for the 15th Five-Year Plan was approved. It not only charts China’s course for the next five years but also unlocks broad development opportunities for the world.
As two ancient civilisations awakening to new horizons, China and India are not just neighbours, but partners in shaping the future. They are now at a critical stage of national development. China is advancing the great rejuvenation of the nation on all fronts through Chinese modernisation, while India is striving towards its ‘Viksit Bharat 2047’ vision. Development is the most significant common ground and a shared priority for both countries.
China’s growth
During the 14th Five-Year Plan period (2021-2025), China has achieved historic milestones. Its economy grew at an average annual rate of 5.5% and is projected to reach RMB 140 trillion (about $20 trillion) this year. Per capita GDP has remained above $13,000 for two consecutive years, placing China among the leading upper-middle-income countries. China now ranks among the top 10 in the Global Innovation Index. Renewable energy now accounts for about 60% of the total installed power generation capacity, and air, water, and soil quality continue to improve. China is one of the top three trading partners for 157 countries and regions, including India. Contributing approximately 30% to global economic growth, China remains an anchor and engine for the world economy.
The fundamental reason for China’s success lies in the centralised and unified leadership of the CPC, and in its adherence to “drawing a blueprint until it becomes a reality”— scientifically formulating and successively implementing five-year plans. As President Xi Jinping noted, “From the 1st Five-Year Plan to the 14th Five-Year Plan, the consistent theme has been to build China into a modern socialist country.” Throughout this process, China has combined an effective market with a well-functioning government, integrated top-level design with public consultation, maintained policy stability and continuity, and kept pace with the people’s growing aspirations.
The proposal for the 15th Five-Year Plan sends a strong signal that China will continue to promote high-quality development and high-level opening up, offering stable cooperation opportunities for countries worldwide. As fellow emerging economies and major developing nations, China and India have broad prospects and great potential for cooperation across various fields.
Potential for cooperation
First, economic and trade cooperation is built on a solid foundation. China is one of India’s most important trading partners. In 2024, bilateral trade reached $138.46 billion. From January to October this year, trade volume hit $127.63 billion, an 11% year-on-year increase. India’s exports to China have grown significantly. We welcome friends from the Indian business community to make full use of platforms such as the Canton Fair, the China International Import Expo, the China International Fair for Trade in Services, and the China International Consumer Products Fair to introduce more high-quality products and services to consumers in both countries.
Second, industrial collaboration is defined by complementary strengths. China, the world’s largest manufacturing economy, boasts the most complete industrial system and strong capabilities in electronics, infrastructure, new energy, and AI. India excels in IT, software development, and biopharma. Against the backdrop of the new round of technological revolution and industrial transformation, synergy between China and India will yield mutual benefits and enhance their positions in the global industrial and value chains.
Third, friendship, rooted in close contact between the people, is key to sound bilateral relations. China and India share a history of friendly exchanges spanning thousands of years. India’s diverse culture deeply appeals to the Chinese people, with yoga, Bollywood movies, and Darjeeling tea enjoying great popularity. This year, China resumed Indian pilgrimages to the sacred mountain and holy lake in the Xizang Autonomous Region, and India reinstated tourist visas for Chinese citizens. Several direct flights between the two countries were restored. We look forward to more two-way visits by tourists, artists, scholars, and the youth.
Fourth, multilateral cooperation serves our broad common interests. In today’s world, economic globalisation is facing headwinds. As important members of multilateral mechanisms such as BRICS, the SCO, and the G20, China and India should enhance communication and coordination on major international and regional issues, jointly address challenges such as climate change, food security, and public health, and work together towards an equal and orderly multipolar world, as well as a universally beneficial and inclusive economic globalisation.
One hundred years ago, when Tagore first set foot in China, he said, “I always feel that India has been one of China’s extremely close relatives, and China and India have been enjoying time-honoured and affectionate brotherhood.” This year marks the 75th anniversary of the establishment of our diplomatic relations. Under the strategic guidance of our leaders, China-India relations have continued to improve and develop. When the dragon and the elephant move in step, the dance not only brings stability and progress to Asia, but also adds a pivotal anchor for the world.
Xu Wei, Chinese Consul General in Kolkata
Published – December 09, 2025 12:29 am IST
