New Delhi: When Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Tianjin (China) for the SCO conference, the Chinese government gave him a special honor by presenting him with their country’s most prestigious car, the Hongqi L5. This is the same car that President Xi Jinping himself uses in his official visits. Giving it to the Prime Minister of India is being considered an important diplomatic signal from China.
“Red Flag”—a symbol of China’s heritage and pride
Hongqi, which means “red flag,” is a historic and glorious car brand of China. It was first produced in 1958 for the top leaders of the Communist Party. This car is considered a symbol of China’s political power, technological progress, and tradition.
The special thing about the vehicle is that the same car was used during Xi Jinping’s visit to India in Mahabalipuram in 2019. The same car being used for PM Modi now is a symbol of the growing relations between the two countries.
Technical features and luxury
The Hongqi L5 is a very luxurious and secure vehicle, specially designed for diplomatic visits and parades. It weighs around 3,150 kg, making it extremely strong in terms of security.
It has two major engine variants:
4.0-liter V8 engine (in the new model)
6.0-liter V12 engine (in the old model, which is still used in state ceremonies)
Although this car is not built for high speed, its strength and features make it the first choice of heads of state. Its price is around 7.18 million yuan (about ₹8.99 crores).
Russia’s “Aurus” and the message of Chinese friendship
President Vladimir Putin also attended the conference, traveling in his country’s luxury car, “Aurus.” This car is a symbol of Russia’s own grandeur and self-reliance. It is being used with special Chinese diplomatic number plates.
Dragon and elephant—symbolic reference to friendship
In the bilateral meeting with PM Modi, President Xi Jinping said that “The dragon and the elephant should come together and become friends.” It was shown not only in words, but also by providing a car like the Hongqi L5, that China wants strong and positive relations with India.
Letting PM Modi use the Hongqi L5 was not just normal hospitality but a strategic and symbolic diplomatic gesture. It shows that China sees India as an important strategic partner and wants to send a positive signal for future cooperation between the two countries.