The writer's description of issues between India and China as "rhetorical problems" simply passes comprehensions. China's designs on Asia, including India, are very real and do not merit this kind of breezy categorization.
To engage with China successfully, India need not appease China on Tibet. If the clarity on Tibet can be established unambiguously, the cooperation in business and international policy fronts make sense. Else, the long term risk of losing sight of the contention remains to the detriment of Indian interests.
The coming visit of Chinese numero uno shall be a test of mettle of Modi government and whether it will opt to sweep the differences under the carpet to please the mighty Chinese with a big purse.
Re: Appease China or interact with a position of strength
by Ramesh on Sep 16, 2014 04:49 AM
The extraordinary gesture of Chinese President to come to Ahmedabad, adds a new flavor to Indo-Chinese relationship. This effort deserves to be received gracefully.
The lead China has over India in terms of development is about 10-12 years, largely due to starting early in 1978, while India opened up in 1991. This gap can be bridged, and for this Chinese friendship, atleast a peaceful working arrangement, as has persisted so far, is a requirement.
Re: Re: Appease China or interact with a position of strength
by Ramesh on Sep 16, 2014 06:03 AM
To make up for the lost time, India has to permit opening up in sectors where considerable institutional learning curve benefits can be gained. These are primarily in management processes.
As and when appreciation of the sunken cost in management processes, technology and design becomes more widespread, the tipping point to opening up Indian economy to retail, financial services etc shall be reached.
This Chinese visit, if it serves to make Indians aware of the wide gap which has been created between Indian and their economy, a growth impetus of a sort would have been imparted.
