Wen Jiabao's India Visit

Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh had recently said that one can change one's friends, but one cannot change one's neighbors. He had said this in relation to India's neighbors with common borders, which cannot be changed geographically. He had further said it in connection with strengthening India's relations and creation of an atmosphere of goodwill and friendship with neighboring countries.

Border Dispute
India attaches great importance to its relations with all its neighbors; yet having cordial relations with Pakistan and China, with which we have had wars also, assumes greater significance. It needs sheer grit and wisdom to have cordial relations with these neighbors.

Reports of bitter relations between India and China have appeared during recent couple of years because of the border dispute, violation of India's borders by Chinese troops, China's claim on Tawang District and other places in Arunachal Pradesh, issuance of stapled visas to residents of Indian Kashmir, refusal to issue visas to Indian Army generals and commanders posted in Jammu and Kashmir, construction of dam on Brahmaputra River, presence of Chinese workers and officers in occupied Kashmir, and supply of nuclear reactors to Pakistan. These are issues that have been souring relations at almost regular intervals. At the same time, immediate measures to get these issues addressed through mutual dialogues continued. Leaders of the two countries have also visited each other's country to augment bilateral trade and commerce, and expand their sphere.

Chinese Prime Minister Wen Jiabao's India visit is indication of the efforts in this direction by leadership of the two countries. Fourteen rounds of talks have so far taken place between the sides to resolve all these issues. It is hoped that the two prime ministers would discuss almost all issues, including the Chinese claim on northeastern states.

Fresh Avenues of Trade
The Chinese prime minister is accompanied by a 400-strong group of Chinese traders, which reflects that the main aim of his visit is to explore fresh avenues of trade, and expand and extend existing deals. It was for this purpose that Indian and Chinese companies have inked 48 fresh agreements worth $16 billion. Leading companies of both India and China dealing in electricity, telecommunication, steel, wind energy, food and seafood sectors finalized these deals.

Wen Jiabao has asserted that he did not believe the theory that India-China relations are akin to a competition between a dragon and an elephant. Addressing a meeting of traders, he asserted that China-India relations are not based on business rivalry but on collaboration and cooperative partnership. Wen added that he takes the trade imbalance between the countries seriously, and desires that India's IT and pharmaceuticals sectors have access to Chinese markets.

Creating for Investment
Addressing a meeting of corporate organizations, the Chinese prime minister stressed the need of speeding up approval of investments and easing norms of visits by people, so that a conducive atmosphere may be created for investment. It is expected that current trade between the countries would touch $ 60 billion. During 2009, India's export to China was 2.46 percent of its total exports.

During the current year, Indian imports from China remained at 1.37 percent. China imports consist more of precious stones, jewelry, and machinery and metals, while India imports electronic goods, organic chemicals, iron and steel, coke and fertilizers. The Chinese economy is said to be worth $4.98 trillion while that of India is a mere $1.31 trillion.Meanwhile, no sooner than the Chinese prime minister reached India on a three-day visit, a report appeared that Chinese engineers have succeeded in blowing a hillock with dynamite near Arunachal Pradesh border at a place called Metok located in the autonomous area in Tibet. The hillock has been blown to dig a tunnel to join Metok with the rest of China.

It may be mentioned that Metok is not only the last end of the border, but is also the same place fro m where Brahmaputra River enters India. The Indian Government has already expressed its grave concern at the proposal of construction of a dam by China in this area. China has already spent a huge amount of $20 billion on construction of infrastructure in Tibet. India is worried over this because China can deploy its armed forces in a short time at India's borders. It is yet to be seen how India protects its interest along with strengthening its relations with this neighbor.

Arunachal Youth Campaign Against China's Inimical Designs

India went whole hog to maintain friendly relations with China, and has been instrumental in China securing UN membership. We remained under the illusion of "Hindi-Chini, Bhai Bhai" (Indians and Chinese are brothers) slogan whereas China, in pursuance of its expansionist designs, launched an aggression against India in 1962, and grabbed 60,000 sq mile of our territory in the Himalayan region.

Dialogue Process
We lost our Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru because of the shock he received following Chinese aggression. Nehru had taken numerous steps for the country's progress in various fields.
Several years later, Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi visited China and started a dialogue process to resolve boundary disputes and to begin trade with China. It was thought that China's approach vis-à-vis India would undergo a change in the altered scenario. But China continued to tread an anti-India path.
China extended support to Pakistan in its anti-India nuclear program and manufacturing missiles. China also built a military station for its marine forces at Myanmar in the Bay of Bengal, and constructed a big seaport at Gwadar in Pakistan's Baluchistan region.

Inciting Anti-India Sentiments
China is also supplying arms to rebel Maoists active in India's northeast sector. Not only that, China is engaged in inciting anti-India sentiments in Nepal by provoking Maoists.
India kept its eyes closed to all these issues, because our trade with China is registering a rise. However, under the pretext of trade, China flooded Indian markets with cheaper products that led to closure of various Indian small industries. China earned fabulous profit by pushing into India poisonous plastic toys, raw quality electrical goods, and electronic gadgets. After a long time, India got to know this and banned the import of such harmful products. In addition, anti-dumping duty was imposed on Chinese synthetic yarn, steel and tires.
Certain Chinese medicine manufacturers exported low quality medicines to African countries, tagging them with "Made in India" labels. The Indian Government woke up from its slumber only when African medicine control authorities raised this issue with the Indian Government. Finally, China had to take action against the companies concerned under international pressure. This way, the Chinese conspiracy to tarnish India's image, causing damage to the Indian economy and reputation, was countered.
Although several border dispute talks have been held with China, no settlement is in sight so far. On the contrary, China is staking claims on Arunachal Pradesh. It strongly protested against the visit of Indian Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh to Arunachal Pradesh, and also Dalai Lama's tour of this state.

Violation of Indian Airspace
In 2009, Chinese helicopters violated Indian airspace in Laddakh region several times. Then, Chinese soldiers made incursions 1.5 km inside Mount Gaya region and painted the word "China" in red color on a number of rock faces there. Chinese troops intruded into the Laddakh region 26 times in 2009. Army Chief General Deepak Kapoor termed it a serious issue. Chinese troops have become so bold that China took exception to the construction of a rural road in South Laddakh under NREGA scheme, following which the construction came to a standstill.
Conditions have turned grim with the establishment of Chinese cantonments in the vicinity of Indian border. The limit was crossed when a Chinese expert on military matters went to the extent of talking in terms of disintegrating India into several parts.

Hindi-Chini Bhai Bhai
Strong resentment prevails among the youth of Arunachal Pradesh against China eyeing Arunachal Pradesh and other Chinese anti-India activities. The Arunachal Pradesh Students' Council has launched a campaign to boycott Chinese goods. The council president, Takum Tatung, led this campaign by Arunachal Pradesh youth at Akashdeep shopping complex in Itanagar recently. This campaign was launched by burning an effigy of Chinese President Hu Jintao and raising the slogan "Burn Chinese Goods". Takum Tatung maintains that the objective of this boycott campaign is to awaken the general public of Arunachal Pradesh and the rest of the country against China's anti-India designs.
Undoubtedly, by taking this step, these youth have expressed their sense of patriotism and to stir the minds of countrymen so that we are not once again deceived by China under the allurement of the "Hindi-Chini Bhai Bhai" slogan.

India's Firm Reply To China's Aggressive Attitude

The objection that China has raised over Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh's Arunachal Pradesh visit is completely improper and an illegitimate act. The Indian Government has given a befitting reply by rejecting it outright. Arunachal Pradesh is an integral part of India. The people of this state are an inseparable part of the Indian democracy.

The threatening manner in which China has expressed its displeasure is an obstinate act of interfering into the internal matters of an independent and sovereign country. We are free to travel anywhere in our country. Our guests are also free to travel anywhere within our borders. China cannot instruct us where we can go and where we cannot.

Maintaining Peace on Border
This is not the first time that China has expressed its displeasure over the prime minister's visit. In 2008 also, it had expressed regret at calling Arunachal Pradesh as Indian territory. Earlier in 1987, China had taken control of a far flung border post in Arunachal Pradesh. It has illegally occupied 43,180 sq km of Indian territory.

On contrary, it accuses India of illegally occupying 90,000 sq km of its territory in Arunachal Pradesh. Talks are going on between the countries over the border dispute, and both countries are committed to maintaining peace on the border. Undoubtedly, the issue is very complicated. Until now, 13 rounds of talks have been completed, but the dispute stands where it was.

Honoring Line of Actual Control
Although India and China both have agreed not to use power and honor the Line of Actual Control as long as the border dispute is not settled, still apprehensions of conflict with China have been raised from time-to-time. For the past some time, China has been exhibiting its aggressive stance again. Though there is dominance of moderate leaders in China's government, its foreign policy is still on the old track, the foundation of which was laid by Mao Zedong. No matter where Dalai Lama goes, China always raises objection. If any leader goes to Taiwan, it becomes displeased. If anyone goes to Arunachal Pradesh, it becomes incensed. This has become its habit, but nobody would be afraid of going into the disputed territory.

In coming November, Dalai Lama is going to travel to Arunachal Pradesh. Even if China protests against it, the Indian Government would not stop him. All mutual disputes between India and China could only be sorted out through dialogue and not by exhibiting aggressive behavior. Both countries should sit together for this, so that it does not affect our long-term relations.

China's Claims
China's claim on a part of Arunachal Pradesh for years cannot be overlooked. But it has never been so offensive before. At one time, it had even started issuing visas to people of Arunachal Pradesh. It is, therefore, imperative for India to find out the reasons for this sudden extreme attitude. Can there be any other latent reason behind it, instead of the border dispute? Even otherwise, the border dispute had reached a deadlock long ago.

India has been accusing China of illegal occupation of a part of Jammu and Kashmir. As against this, China has been charging India of occupying 90,000 sq km of its territory. It must be also borne in mind that China alone is responsible for the stalemate in this old border dispute. Several rounds of talks have been held to solve it, but so far no plans have been exchanged.

China has most certainly experienced the strengthening of trade relations between the two countries. It is equally aware of the fact that tension in diplomatic relations might jeopardize its trade. Could it then be all set to increase this tension knowingly? In view of past experience it is necessary for India to tell China directly that it is not only embittering the relationship between the countries by this unfriendly behavior that is also ruining the atmosphere in Asia. It must also beware of foreign affairs experts like Natwar Singh who have suddenly started taking China's side. They are likely to prove harmful to India.

India's Reply to China's Aggression
Although belated, India has made the right move by showing firmness against China's aggressive attitude. Objection raised on Chinese interference in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir [PoK] is also totally justified. The earlier hesitation to replying to China in its own language is inexplicable. Is it not strange that the prime minister had described Chinese incursions into Arunachal Pradesh and Laddakh as a creation of the media? Surprisingly enough, when objections were raised against some projects China was working on in PoK, the Chinese President stated that his country would continue participating in them. India should actually have lodged a protest when China had started taking interest in Pakistan's projects.

It is difficult to say for certain right now how this neighboring country will react to India's sharp riposte. Nevertheless, India must try to find out the reasons for China's sudden aggressive stand. It not only causes concern but is also surprising.

China's Moves To Disintegrate India Into Many Small Nations

The India-China border dispute was discussed at the 13th meeting of delegations of the two countries held recently. The meeting remained inconclusive without finding any solution to various issues relating to the border dispute. Notwithstanding the Chinese claims of making many endeavors to promote friendship and trade relations with India, there are frequent reports that China is building up cantonments along Indian borders by amassing troops there.

China often stakes claims on the Indian state of Arunachal Pradesh. China committed 80 violations of Indian borders on the northern region, and has built a naval base in Myanmar to strengthen its naval forces in the Bay of Bengal and Indian Sea. And with the aim to interfere in Arabian Sea, it is building a seaport in the Pakistani area of Gwadar.

Panchsheel Agreement
China established diplomatic ties with India in 1950 and Pundit Jawaharlal Nehru and former Chinese Premier Zhou Enlai raised the slogan of "Hindi Chini, Bhai Bhai" (Indians and Chinese are brothers) and the Panchsheel (five principles of peaceful coexistence) Agreement. But by starting an aggression against India in 1962, China captured 60,000 km area of Indian territory.

Following former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi's Beijing visit in 1988, trade and cultural ties between the countries were opened and delegations of both countries started exchange visits for trade promotion. Owing to low quality of Chinese products exported to other countries, India banned the import of milk and milk products such as chocolate, and also sugar, mobiles, and toys from China. Not only that, China exported fake medicines to African countries by putting "Made in India" marks on products made in China.

Now, reports are also pouring in that spurious medicines are being exported by China to India. A glut of cheap Chinese products has taken place in Indian markets, with the result that small-scale enterprises have closed or are on the verge of closure. It is commented about Chinese leaders that it is hard to know the real intention behind their smiling faces. In this context, Chinese strategist Zhan Lue has in an article on the website of the Chinese International Institute for Strategic Studies, close to the Chinese military, commented "China should break up India into 20-30 small independent nations with the support of Pakistan, Nepal, Bhutan, and Bangladesh. Even a small step by China toward this end would disintegrate Indian union."

In June 2009, the Global Times, the associate publication of China's "People's Daily," also carried an anti-India editorial. It stated that China should extend support to the United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA) for independence of Assam. In collusion with tribes in Assam, Nagaland, and Kashmir, China can disintegrate India. From this, it is evident that China is at work to harass India by disintegrating it.

In 1963, China received as "donation" from Pakistan 4,660 sq km of Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) territory from where China constructed roads up to Kyang and Peshawar and also supplied nuclear and missiles technology to Pakistan for use against India.

Arms and Equipment to India's Insurgent Groups
China has been supplying to northeast India's insurgent groups arms and equipment, apart from imparting training to them. In Nepal, Prachanda and his Maoist supporters have been receiving the proximity of Maoists in Nepal. This can be gauged from the fact that immediately after becoming Nepalese prime minister, Prachanda proceeded on an official tour of Beijing.

After being ousted from power, Prachanda started raising anti-India voices. He is openly opposing Nepal's friendship and trade ties with India, and is also holding out threats to launch an agitation against the existing Nepalese Government. With the support of Maoists of Nepal, Maoists in India also have started spreading their tentacles in the country. At present, nearly one-third states of India are affected by the Naxal violence.

Anti-Indian Strategies
As such, China directly or indirectly is at work against India with the support of its neighboring countries to disintegrate it and cause damage economically through pursuing its nefarious anti-Indian strategies.

India should, therefore, deal carefully and cautiously with China. The government needs to exercise extra vigilance in maintenance of its relations with China, because it is not known when the Chinese dragon would strike India.

India-China 13th Round of Talks

The practical conclusion drawn from the joint statement issued after a China-India dialogue on the border issue is that it did not make much headway. It only expressed satisfaction with the talks. This has no meaning, whatsoever. There is nothing new in the resolution on peace and stability either.

Dai Bingguo's Visit to India
State Counselor Dai Bingguo represented China in the talks. Although he said that the border problem should be solved to the satisfaction of both sides, he did not deem it fit to suggest an outline. After his meeting with Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, Bingguo was confident that an opportunity to reach a solution would come as relations between the countries strengthened in the next few years.

The direct implication of his statement could be that no immediate solution of the border problem is being expected. As a matter of fact, this was the 13th round of talks over a span of 28 years.

Yet, the border problem remains where it stood. If any progress has been made, it is only on the decision to work out guidelines for further talks.

Joint Development
In a message sent to Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, both his Chinese counterpart Wen Jiabao and Chinese President Hu Jintao have emphasized the need for peaceful coexistence and joint development in the interest of both countries. In the ultimate analysis, it will benefit Asia and the entire world, they added.

These are cordial statements that have nothing to do with the border problem. In reply to this message, our prime minister also pointed out that India was keen to encourage peace, prosperity, and stability throughout the world jointly with China.

Almost a similar joint statement was made during his China visit in 2008, but the country would like to know the outcome of the last dialogue.

Resolving Bilateral Issues
It is quite clear that India is not a factor in the border dispute. A large chunk of our territory has been occupied by China. It is staking its claim on entire Arunachal Pradesh on the ground that it is part of Tibet. It is not at all prepared to soften its stand on this issue. China also vehemently objected to the $60 million loan granted to Arunachal Pradesh by the Asian Development Bank for its development.

The body language of the Chinese army on the Arunachal Pradesh border makes its intention quite clear. In retaliation, when India increased the strength of its border force, started improving roads and deployed Sikhoi-30 squadrons there, China raised strong objections.

How can the border problem be solved if such an attitude persists? Its solution depends entirely on the stand taken by China. Yet, the 13th round of talks did not indicate any change in it.