Page 44 - 31OCT2019E

column

Elephant and Dragon dance

together, but for how long?

The sudden bonhomie between Beijing and New Delhi in the wake of President Xi’s
Hard recent two-day visit to India has perplexed some observers, while others view it as a
positive development in bilateral relations of the two country
LIne

Anil Singh ecent two-day visit to India by The talks between the two leaders were
Chinese President Xi Jinping followed by delegation-level talks in the end
and his informal meeting with and President Xi called for viewing the differ-
The columnist is Prime Minister Narendra Modi at ences between the two countries in a correct
Executive Editor of R the world heritage site of Ma- way. Cautioning that differences should not
News24 news habalipuram, in Tamil Nadu is construed as be allowed to dilute the overall interests of
channel. The views a welcome development in the aftermath of bilateral cooperation, President Xi said: “… We
here expressed are the China’s stance on recent development in the should seek understanding through commu-
author’s own Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir. Exchange nication and constantly resolve differences.
of high-level visits and one-to-one talks The two countries should and should be able
between the top leaders of India and China af- to walk out of a grand road of friendly coop-
fords opportune occasion to iron out mutual eration between two neighbouring powers...
differences and provides impetus to bilateral China hopes to develop itself well and India
relations devoid of delusions. well. China and India should make mutual
President Xi was accorded a grand warm achievements and illuminate each other.”
welcome on his arrival at Mahabalipuram. In a statement after leaving India on
Responding to the welcome, President Xi said, October 12, President Xi suggested that both
“We are really overwhelmed by your hospi- countries should carry out strategic com-
tality. My colleagues and I have felt that very munication in a timely and effective manner.
strongly. This will be a memorable experi- Suggesting that the next few years would
ence for me and for us.” During the first day of be critical for the two countries, Chinese
his visit on Friday on October 11, the visiting President added: “We should carefully handle
Chinese President held “heart-to-heart” and issues concerning each other’s core interests.
“candid discussions like friends” with Prime We should properly manage and control
Minister Modi. This was their second informal problems that cannot be solved for the time
meeting- the first being in China’s Wuhan being,” also further noting that India and
in April 2018. The discussions between the China should develop “military-to-military
two leaders on their first-day summit that relations in the right direction of enhancing
lasted for five hours, veered round trade and trust, clearing up misgivings and friendly
economy among other issues. The second day cooperation”.
Ongoing trade summit that lasted for one hour witnessed Catch-22 situation
one-to-one talks.
spar between Calling upon both sides ought to be taking India is in a catch-22 situation vis-à-vis China.
Washington and a correct view of each other’s developments Having expressed resentment over China’s
and enhance strategic mutual trust, President stance over Modi government’s move of
Beijing is one of Xi said, “No matter from any point of view, diluting the Article 370 with regard to J&K,
the key factors China and India should be good neighbours the sudden bonhomie between Beijing and
New Delhi in the wake of President Xi’s recent
and good partners who live in harmony and
that compels move forward hand in hand.” A statement is- two-day visit to India has perplexed some
China to maintain sued after President XI’s two-day visit quoted observers whereas some observers view it as
Xi as saying, “To achieve Dragon and Elephant a positive development in bilateral ties. Nev-
cordial relations Dance is the only correct choice for China and ertheless, this author is of the view that pro-
India, which is in the fundamental interests of tracted ongoing trade spar between Wash-
with India both countries and their peoples.” ington and Beijing on one hand and growing

tehelka / 31 october 2019 44 www.tehelka.com