Dancing with the dragon:

September 21/2014 : A joint statement issued by New Delhi and Beijing after the end of Chinese President Xi Jinping’s three-day official visit to India on Friday was as bland as any communiqué. It said, in parts, “India and China have reiterated their commitment to an early settlement of the boundary question, and to pursue this as a strategic objective.” If we shuck off the diplomatic lingo that is usually couched in niceties, what it reveals is both the countries are as far away as they were on the most important bilateral issue. The unsettled Sino-Indian border issue has been a major irritant since the 1962 conflict. In recent months, Chinese incursions have increased in number and the presence of People’s Liberation Army in border areas is so intimidating that villagers in the Ladakh region call for Indian Army’s help. Despite flag meetings, diplomatic exchanges and setting up of a mechanism to lessen the friction along the common border, nothing seems to have been working.

In fact, on the day President Xi arrived in Ahmedabad to begin his three-day India trip with a planeload of businessmen, Chinese and Indian troops were standing eyeball to eyeball on the uninhabited land of Himalayan territory. It was horrifying to watch news channels that juxtaposed the tense border situation with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi exchanging pleasantries with Chinese President Xi Jinping swinging rhythmically in traditional Gujarati jhoola on the Sabarmati riverfront. The ambiance, with Gujarati dancers in their traditional costumes pirouetting, lilting waters and ornamental lights casting their shadows on the river, et al, had given a romantic touch to the two leaders’ powwow. But their subsequent talks were neither romantic nor lived up to the high expectations drummed up earlieer. That Damodardas Modi, like his predecessor Manmohan, is a weak kneed leader was obvious from this incident. It was sad to note that he has not yet rolled out of his Chief Minister uniform and donned the Prime Ministerial clothes. Inviting the Chinese Prez to Ahmedabad was one such major indication.

That China plays hardball is a known fact. Since it shed the garb of communism in the 1980s, its capitalistic socialism is marked by pragmatism and its relations with other countries, especially it's neighbors, are dictated by its global power ambitions. In recent years, China has been increasing its economic clout, particularly among developing countries from Asia to Africa and Latin America. Not even the US can match such aggressiveness. To think that Beijing will accede to New Delhi’s demand to settle the border row as early as possible is simplistic, to say the least. Xi, before and during his visit, had played down the most contentious border issue and highlighted how both the neighbours could complement each other and grow economically to mutual advantage. In other words, what the most powerful man in China had hinted at during his ‘historic visit’ was, “no hurry to cross the border hurdle; instead, let’s talk about what business we can do.” That’s the stand China has taken consistently ever since both countries have started boosting their trade relations. Now, China is already our biggest trading partner, with balance heavily tipped towards that country. There is no way to correct the imbalance in the near future as long as our hunger for cheap Chinese goods continues. We can find a redeeming solution only in a ‘Made in India’ campaign. But it all depends on when and with what thrust it will take off. If Modi could have talked of tapering down trade till such time that border issues got sorted out, it would have made the slant eyed President rethink. Now, it is India and its Prime Minister who have been left cross-eyed!

Even if we set aside the border problem for the time being and take a hard look at the economic front, the outcome of Xi’s visit was an anti-climax to the expectations that had been raised prior to his arrival. Time and again, the media had spun stories of $100 billion Chinese investment in the country. Finally, what came through was a mere one-fifth of that over a five-year period. Overall, 12 accords were signed, mostly related to infra development and modernization of rail corridors. Considering the fact that India requires trillions of dollars to upgrade its rickety transport systems, one could say the Chinese investment proposals are only a few drops in the ocean. However, the brighter side of Xi’s visit is it will help walk the talk despite India’s serious differences with China, beginning with border issues, including its claim to Arunachal Pradesh, Beijing’s geo-political ambitions, its belligerent attitude towards neighbours and small countries like Vietnam which challenge China’s territorial claims.

As far as our interests are considered, India needs safe and secure neighbours. China courting Pakistan is an old hat. In the new scheme of things, Beijing going an extra mile to cultivate two of our traditional allies should be viewed with concern. Incidentally, our stakes in Sri Lanka and the Malpes are high and both countries have been benefited immensely by India’s largesse. Xi’s visit to Colombo and Male with aid packages before stepping on the Indian soil assumed significance. We don’t read much into the trips that were considered as part of China's bid to boost Asia ties because our diplomatic watch posts have failed to read the immense strategic importance these forays hold.

While every country pursues its own interests in various spheres of influence, what we need is balanced foreign policies without hype and hoopla, which is increasingly becoming a hallmark of the Modi government. Despite all the bonhomie, the Chinese President had not budged an inch on crucial issues that are of utmost concern to our national security and impact our psyche. Nor did Xi commit on resolving them within a timeframe. Except increasing the Chinese presence in this country through their projects, Xi’s visit had done little to ally our fears of the dragon trying to gobble us. We continue to stand apart staring at each other with suspicion and mutual distrust. Damodardas may continue doing business but it will only be at the cost of spilling Indian blood.