A Global Times (January 19) article claimed that "any progress connect to China's infrastructure construction
in its southwestern territories touches a nerve in New Delhi. And the news of the bridge across the Pangong
Lake appears to be no exception. In fact, the emergence of the satellite imagery that showed the bridge being
constructed by China already triggered a political uproar in India early this month". Saying it is "regrettable
if some in India continue to misinterpret China's infrastructure build-up along the border as serving military
purposes", it added "It is this kind of misunderstanding that has, to a certain extent, contributed to the
continuing tensions between the two countries, undermining efforts to ease the tensions". Stating that "China
and India are neighbours for better or for worse. China's willingness to work toward stability in the border
region and bilateral relations has never changed", the article claimed Tibet's "economic achievement and
infrastructure development is more advanced than India. If anything, India's political elite should realize that
economic development, not other issues, should be the top priority for Indian government, which is facing
growing urgency to improve the living standards of Indian people. Hyping border tensions or vilifying
China's infrastructure build-up in Xizang region may only create a distraction for New Delhi".
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