Tianjin, China: Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is attending the SCO (Shanghai Cooperation Organization) Summit in China, where the Chinese government accorded him a rare honor. For his official visit, Modi was provided a Hongqi L5, the “Made in China” vehicle regularly used by Chinese President Xi Jinping for international summits and state visits.
Hongqi Guoli limousine goes for a ride in China
Hongqi is a Chinese car brand owned by FAW. The Hongqi Guoli (formerly known as the L5) is the brand's new top-end limousine. A brand new Guoli was seen at a Hongqi dealer in Chengdu, driving out of the garage, dwarfing a Bentley.… pic.twitter.com/zvfYeqpvj1
— Tycho de Feijter (@TychodeFeijter) February 14, 2025
The Hongqi, also known as the “Red Flag,” was first manufactured in 1958 for senior officials of the Chinese Communist Party and has since become a symbol of national pride. Xi Jinping frequently uses this vehicle to promote domestically made products during high-profile events. Notably, Xi had used the same model during an informal meeting with Modi in Mahabalipuram, Tamil Nadu, in 2019. Experts see this gesture as a positive signal for India-China relations.
Landed in Tianjin, China. Looking forward to deliberations at the SCO Summit and meeting various world leaders. pic.twitter.com/gBcEYYNMFO
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) August 30, 2025
Relations between India and China had been strained after the Galwan Valley clashes in 2020. Modi’s visit to China after seven years, and his engagement with Xi Jinping at the SCO Summit in Tianjin, underscores both countries’ intent to improve bilateral ties and strengthen cooperation on multiple fronts.