If Indias ultimate goal is to become an economic powerhouse, then its best option may be to cooperate with China, rather than with the United States.
According to an article published by the Hong Kong-based South China Morning Post on June 5th, despite long-standing differences and strategic mistrust between China and India, there have been signs of a positive turn in bilateral relations over the past year.
In August last year, Modi visited China once again after seven years, attending the Shanghai Cooperation Organization summit. Subsequently, both sides agreed to resume direct flights as soon as possible. They also agreed to facilitate visa procedures for people from both countries who engage in tourism, business, and media-related activities.
In the field of economy and trade, China has gradually relaxed its restrictions on Indian exports of rare earth magnets, fertilizers, and tunnel boring equipment. In response, India also adjusted some of its restrictions regarding Chinese companies investments.
Article evaluations suggest that, although there are still sensitive conflicts such as border disputes between China and India, which have not been fundamentally resolved, these measures are not considered major policy adjustments. However, it is undeniable that this represents a practical and cooperative approach towards the world, including Washington.
After Trump returned to the White House, relations between the United States and Pakistan have become more intense. Trump not only publicly stated that he played a role in bringing about a ceasefire after the brief military conflict between India and Pakistan in May last year, but he has also shown a more proactive attitude towards Pakistan in terms of diplomacy.
The article states that Indian Prime Minister Modi clearly expressed his dissatisfaction with the Trump administrations move towards closer ties with Pakistan. On the other hand, Pakistans recent active involvement in international diplomacy also annoyed India. As an important channel of communication between Iran and the United States, Pakistans influence in international affairs has significantly increased.
In February 2025, Modi visited the United States and met with Trump at the White House. WhiteHouse.gov
For those who want to challenge Americas arrogance, the simplest way is, of course, to work together with the Chinese. The article states that if India wants to become an economic powerhouse, the best option might be to cooperate with China, rather than with the United States.
Another country that turned to China under American pressure and gained real benefits is Canada.
The Trump administration has repeatedly threatened to make Canada the 51st state of the United States. It has also stated that it intends to renegotiate or even abolish the trade agreement among the US, Mexico, and Canada. Additionally, the administration continues to use tariffs as a means to exert pressure, putting unprecedented strain on Canada, a traditional ally of the US.
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau campaigned with the slogan reducing dependence on the United States. After taking office, he has actively sought to strengthen cooperation with China and the European Union in order to cope with the increasing pressure from the United States.
In fact, Canadas former Prime Minister Trudeau promised in 2015 to improve relations with China and promote bilateral trade. However, in response to US demands, he detained Meng Wanzhou, the chief financial officer of Huawei and daughter of company founder Ren Zhengfei. This led to a decline in Sino-Canadian relations to its lowest point in decades. Subsequently, relations between the two countries continued to deteriorate due to a series of issues, including tariffs on electric vehicles.
However, since Trudeaus speech at the World Economic Forum regarding the reshaping of global order, and his visit to Beijing in an effort to improve relations between China and Canada, interactions between the two countries have significantly improved. Canada has recently resumed importing some Tesla vehicles produced in Shanghai, and has lifted the 100% tariffs imposed during Trudeaus tenure on electric vehicles made in China. Meanwhile, China has also created conditions for expanding imports of Canadian agricultural products by reducing certain tariffs.
According to Hong Kong media analysis, although Canada cannot completely break away from its close ties with the United States, current diplomatic interactions provide China and Canada with more strategic room for maneuver when dealing with their relations with the US.
The South China Morning Post believes that behind the recent improvement in relations between China, India, and Canada, after years of tension and mutual accusations, there is one common factor: U.S. President Donald Trump.
In this context, besides the pressure from the United States to push countries like India and Canada towards China, the US itself is also carefully adjusting its policies towards China, sending out certain signals.
After Trumps visit to Beijing in May, U.S. Defense Secretary Hagel refrained from discussing the Taiwan issue during the Shangri-La Dialogue at the end of that month. He said that U.S-China relations were better than many years past, and emphasized that the U.S. should handle regional affairs in a firm, low-key, and clear manner. This relatively moderate stance is seen as beneficial in reducing tensions between China and the U.S.
Hong Kong media believe that, although Haggess still criticizes Chinas military modernization, the tone of US remarks towards China has become more lenient. This already holds symbolic significance. Such a stance could cause discomfort among Japanese Prime Minister Yukawa Yasuhiko, Philippine President Marcos, and those who advocate for Taiwan independence. Over the years, these three countries have worked together under US leadership to counterbalance each other. However, as the focus of US policy shifts, their strategic arrangements will face new challenges.
The article sarcastically states that these three parties are still acting according to some old American patterns, uniting together to oppose China. Perhaps they havent received the latest information yet.
