The historical relationship between India and China has been ambivalent at best. Plagued by border disputes and economic competition, countries have long harbored feelings of animosity towards each other. Recently, however, both sides have made concerted efforts to improve relations, recognizing that cooperation offers economic and political benefits. In May, Indian and Chinese officials issued a joint statement affirming their willingness to further improve their relations through increased economic and cultural exchanges (Bagri). Furthermore, India has also called on China to lower non-tariff barriers to enable India reduce the growing trade deficit with China (Dasgupta). Although China and India have many conflicting interests, the interests they share are those that can facilitate mutually beneficial cooperation (Morrow Principle #1). Countries' perception of each other is also critical to brokering an agreement, and ultimately, mutual perception will determine whether cooperation will be feasible or not (Morrow Principle #4). China and India clearly have some conflicting interests. First, both would like access to the disputed territory, located in the Himalayan mountains, which both countries have rightfully claimed as theirs. Furthermore, the states hold contrasting ideologies (Democracy vs. Communism) that they both would like to promote and also differ in that each would like to gain as much as possible from trade, regardless of how harmful it would be to the other state. Finally, states, and more specifically their leaders, have political incentives to protect domestic industries and workers because, although this may impede the greatest possible efficiency...... middle of paper ......09. Network. 18 November 2013. .Mishra, Pankaj. “When the best and brightest leave India and China.” Bloomberg.com. Bloomberg, October 20, 2013. Web. November 17, 2013. .Morrow, James D. Understanding World Politics. 3rd ed. vol. 1. Upper Saddle River: Pearson, 2013. Print.Mumbai. “Friend, foe, rival, investor.” The economist. The Economist, 30 June 2012. Web. 17 November 2013. .Sedghi, Ami. "India's Trade: Comprehensive List of Exports, Imports and Partner Countries." The Guardian.The Guardian, 22 February 2013. Web. 17 November. 2013. .