CHINA-INDIA: GLOBAL TIMES COMMENT ON 'INDIA'S ADJUSTMENT OF POLICY' TOWARDS CHINA

An article in the state-run Global Times on April 12, 2018 by Wu Zhenglong, senior research fellow at the China Foundation for International Studies, claimed "Sino-Indian relations have presented a rosy development scenario recently" and "It seems that a new day has dawned for the two countries which were once at odds." The article claimed that "many Indian media outlets and scholars believe New Delhi has gone astray with its China policy" in the past three years with the India government misjudging "China's development and the international landscape" and choosing "to confront China and consequently damaged India's own development." It said "The turn in China-India relations came as a result of common endeavor" and pointed to the Summit at Xiamen. It described Foreign secretary Gokhale's "China trip in February shortly after assuming office as India's foreign secretary, a full demonstration that New Delhi attaches great importance to its ties with Beijing. Gokhale's visit indicated that India is resolute in adapting its China policy and getting over the past brawls to open up a new chapter in bilateral ties." It said "the two sides have launched frequent exchanges in different arenas, trying to resume their friendship and also explore new cooperation areas." It added that bilateral relations "have experienced twists and turns over the past three years and fallen to a low ebb over the Doklam standoff", but "The Indian government has achieved an important strategic consensus, making institutional preparations to recover its ties with China." It reiterated that "Maintaining border peace and stability is a prerequisite for Sino-Indian relations", but added "The border dispute is a leftover from history that is unlikely to be solved in a short time". That the Doklam deadlock was peacefully handled through diplomatic means manifested the political wisdom of both sides and the importance of promoting trust and managing differences. Asserting that China's rise actually constitutes an opportunity for India instead of posing a threat, it said New Delhi can hardly expect to exert powerful leverage against China" and "The primary priority for India is mulling over how to take a ride on China's development and realize its dream of national rejuvenation." It repeated that "Beijing and New Delhi are partners, not rivals" and that "The Asian century will not come until China and India join hands." The article cautioned that "we must note that there are some anti-China forces in India. They view China as a rival to hinder India's rise" adding that "they will accuse the Indian government of capitulating to China. We shall stay cautious and prevent a resurgence of the anti-China sentiment given these negative forces." The article concluded that "India's adjustment of its China policy is a return to its principle of strategic autonomy and the non-alignment policy" and "Beijing-New Delhi ties are heading for more mature and stable development".





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