Dragon-Elephant’ Coined by Xi for India-China Ties, ‘Bear’ Added Later by Media: Putin
Russian President Vladimir Putin has clarified that the “Dragon-Elephant” metaphor to symbolize China-India relations was originally coined by Chinese President Xi Jinping, while the term “Bear” was later added by the media.
At the Eastern Economic Forum on September 5, 2025, Russian President Vladimir Putin stated that the metaphor of “China as the Dragon and India as the Elephant” was first introduced by Chinese President Xi Jinping. According to Putin, the “Bear” symbol, often associated with Russia, was not part of the original expression but a later addition by media outlets .
Putin elaborated further, saying:
“Of course, the Bear is Russia’s symbol, but in the Far East
there is the world’s largest tiger, the Siberian (Amur) tiger.”
By this remark, Putin suggested that the tiger may represent
Russia’s eastern regions more appropriately than the bear, symbolizing strength
and resilience in a different way.
He also added a geopolitical undertone by saying:
“The two-headed eagle looks both West and East. But you
know, it also looks South.”
This highlighted Russia’s increasing attention toward South Asia and the Global
South
Meanwhile, former U.S. President Donald Trump reacted on
social media, posting:
“It looks like we’ve lost India and Russia to the deepest,
darkest China. Wishing them a long and prosperous future.”
These remarks reflect the growing international focus on the
trilateral dynamics between Russia, India, and China.
Sources:
- Xi
Jinping first coined “Dragon-Elephant” for China-India ties, Putin
clarifies .
- Putin
suggests the Siberian Tiger as a more fitting symbol than the Bear .
- Trump’s reaction adds a Western perspective .
0 Comments