The Hindu : International / India & World : Optimism in China on ties with India

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Sunday, May 16, 2004

International

International - India & World

Optimism in China on ties with India

By P. S. Suryanarayana

SINGAPORE, MAY 15. Experts on India, associated with China's political establishment, today expressed the belief that the present change of government in New Delhi might prove conducive to the "positive" development of the bilateral relationship.

While the Chinese Government has not so far made known its policy orientation towards India, in the specific context of the poll outcome, China's former Ambassador in New Delhi, Zhou Gang, sounded a general note of optimism. Speaking from Beijing, Mr. Zhou told The Hindu in Singapore that he thought the new government in India "will continue the process of improvement of bilateral relations" with China.

The development of friendly ties between India and China was in the interests of the two countries and would help promote "peace and stability in the region, in particular, and also the world at large," he said. Recalling the role that Sonia Gandhi's "late husband" had played by visiting China in 1988, Mr. Zhou said the current state of "friendly relations will not be affected" under a government that might be led by her.

Wang Hongwei, a long-time expert on India, said: "I don't think there will be a very major change in India's foreign policy towards China" as a result of the latest elections.

Noting that "the bilateral relations have improved very much" following the "very successful visit" to Beijing by Atal Behari Vajpayee as Prime Minister last June, Prof. Wang pointed out that "India's policy [towards China] was not formulated by a single party." While New Delhi evolved its policy "through consensus" among the political parties in India, "mutual understanding and mutual trust were greatly strengthened" following Mr. Vajpayee's visit.

Referring to Rajiv Gandhi's diplomatic odyssey that helped "improve and normalise" ties with China, Prof. Wang felt that Ms. Gandhi "will continue the trend started by her husband." Indeed, the development of relations with China seemed to be a "long-term policy of the Congress [party]." The latest political change in New Delhi could, therefore, produce "some positive effect" on the Sino-Indian equation, Prof. Wang said.

Ma Jiali, associated with the China Institute of Contemporary International Relations, saw the current Indian political changes as "a good sign for bilateral relations," given that Rajiv Gandhi's visit to Beijing in 1988 was really "a milestone." With the Congress, too, having been "active" in fostering Sino-Indian bonhomie, there should now be "no change in direction."

In fact, "the pace may be faster, not slower" under a government led by Ms. Gandhi, Ma Jiali said.

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