Opinion - Letters to the Editor   

Hu Jintao's visit

I welcome the visit of Chinese President Hu Jintao and agree with the views expressed in the editorial "Not rivals but partners" (Nov. 23) on the relevance of forging a strategic partnership with China and the futility of pursuing a pro-American agenda. The India-China partnership should be widened to include other like-minded Asian countries. Only then can a meaningful multi-polar world order be evolved. We don't need the U.S. to `make us great'; our part of the world has the potential to provide the requisite balance. There should be a greater national debate on the direction our foreign policy should take.

Harsh V. Jain,
Coonoor, T.N.

* * *

There was a time when India and China shared very good relations with Panchsheel as the guiding policy. The unexpected war between the two countries in 1962 resulted in tensions and mutual suspicion. Time is the greatest healer and it is gratifying to note that New Delhi and Beijing are moving closer. They have acknowledged that there is enough space for both to develop in a mutually supportive manner while remaining sensitive to each other's concerns and aspirations. The leaders of both countries should display a sense of give-and-take so that two-fifths of the global population can live in peace.

V.S. Venkatavaradan,
Salem

* * *

Whatever the positive aspects of the India-China relationship, we cannot deny that the eventual normalisation of ties lies in the amicable settlement of the boundary dispute. The recent comment of the Chinese Ambassador to India Sun Yuxi on Arunachal Pradesh showed that old wounds are yet to heal. As for India's newfound ties with the United States, they are important in view of the close ties between Pakistan and China.

Sutirtha Sahariah,
New Delhi

* * *

The report "President Hu meets Kotnis kin" (Nov. 24) was touching. That the Chinese President met the relatives of Dwarkanath Kotnis who treated hundreds of patients during the fight between China and Japan in1938 bears testimony to the love and regard the people of China have for the doctor even after six decades.

S. Nallasivan,
Tirunelveli

* * *

Bollywood is ever ready to produce new versions of popular classics such as Devdas, and has even remade blockbusters such as Don. It is a pity that producers have never contemplated a remake of films like Dr. Kotnis Ki Amar Kahani and Jhansi Ki Rani, which propagate great values.

Is it not unfortunate that the legendary Indian doctor who sacrificed his life in the service of the sick, the infirm, and the war-beaten, is remembered by his own countrymen only when a Chinese dignitary visits India?

Seshagiri Row Karry,
Hyderabad

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