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There is positivity and definite rapprochement between India and China. What measures can and should be taken by the two countries to further consolidate this cordiality and enhance commercial ties? Is a high level visit from China likely to happen in the near future?
Our Premier, Wen Jiabao, is visiting India in the first half of April. His visit will help promote three primary aspects:
(i) It will politically upgrade our relations to a higher level.
We are big nations. We have common mountains, waters, similar history; and are strategically important to each other. We need to play a bigger role together, both, in the region and globally. Our views are so similar that in most committees in the UN our voting pattern is more or less identical. We share identical views on anti-terrorism, narcotics and women’s rights to name a few.
(ii) It will be a big push to trade and economic relations.
There are excellent prospects and it will be mutually beneficial to promote bilateral relations. The trade at approximately US$13.6 billion is very small. But I am extremely happy with the increase of 80 percent last year-if this increment continues, who knows what phenomenal figures we will achieve in a few years! Apart from trade the exchange of personnel is also very important. During my time spent at the London School of Economics (LSE), I had always advocated that in international relations exchange is vital. Exchanges lead to more understanding that leads to more confidence and mutual respect, which eventually translates into cooperation. Conversely it can be argued that if there is no exchange there can be isolation, which may perhaps lead to misunderstanding and hostility.
(iii) Focus on Tourism.
Tourism needs a big boost. The figure of 200,000 tourists between our two countries last year is abysmally small. The tourist traffic between China and South Korea alone stood at three million last year. To be more attractive, though, India needs to improve its tourism infrastructure, e.g. low budget hotels are required to promote traffic apart from business travellers. More flights to various destinations in the two countries are being looked at. We should also resolve historical problems like border issues. We need to keep it peaceful and promote trade across the border even if it is not yet defined. These sorts of disputes should not stand in the way of development.
Does China view India as a ‘competitor’ or as a ‘partner in progress’ or both?
Definitely a partner–without question. But competition in a positive sense is always good. In that regard we may be competitors but certainly not rivals. Most areas anyway are such that we can and should cooperate. China has made great progress in manufacturing and India has made tremendous strides in IT. Therefore, I sometimes refer to China as the ‘world’s factory’ and India as the ‘world’s office’. So there you have it-perfect cooperation!
What are the global issues on which Chinese and Indian views converge? Are there any issues where there may be conflict?
There are no major conflicts. For the last many decades we have wanted peaceful coexistence. There are too many common interests. We have similar or identical views on most hot issues of the world, be it the Middle East, Iraq, Afghanistan, etc. There are also talks and considerations of including India in China-ASEAN fora and similarly inclusion of China with an observer status into SAARC.
Why are Chinese coastal cities doing booming business while the hinterland remains relatively poor?
Due to its strategic geographical location most new reforms and development projects are implemented and tried out here, though, now we are attaching greater importance to hinterland areas. They are rich in natural resources and have cheaper labour, which is attractive to industries. We hope to bridge the divide soon.
What is China doing to ensure that there is multipolarity in the world economic / political order rather than unipolarity as seems to be the case today?
To be balanced, world development is needed. Not only North-South but also South-South dialogue and cooperation are very important. Despite our past colonial history we now need to catch up and balance the world economy. Multipolarity is better, as a multipolar world is better served any day.
Is China supportive of India’s bid for a Permanent Seat in the UN’s Security Council? If yes, why? If no, why not?
China for technical reasons has not yet made public its support for any country. Our official position is that we do support reform of the UN Security Council, as it will only strengthen the role of the Council and the UN as a whole. We also agree that if there is any reform, then that role should be given to developing countries.
What is the secret of China’s economic success?
Giving a free hand to the people. The late Deng Xiaoping firmly believed that while concentrating on economic development and implementing processes, one must also give a free hand. Land was allocated to peasants, and reforms first started in rural areas. This agricultural development provided a solid base, and we gradually began the change to a market economy. We also believe in learning anything good from any one, be it in the running, administration, etc. This learning could be from western nations or neighbouring countries. We have also engaged in a certain level of privatisation and ideological taboos have been completely lifted.
Some believed that Hong Kong would go out of business once China took over, but the contrary has happened. How has Chinese socialism coped with erstwhile capitalist Hong Kong?
Deng was great to propose ‘one country-two systems.’ It may not be perfect but it is certainly very good, though we hope gradually to meld into one. We have, in fact, set a good example to settle problems between divided countries. This peaceful reunification progress is a good way to solve differences. We have been very flexible also, apart from Hong Kong, in the case of Mainland and Taiwan.
Is China aiming for military parity with the US or is content being an Economic Superpower?
Our military has been totally for defensive purposes. Throughout history China has not been an aggressive force towards its neighbours. We will remain as that. If you compare our military expenditure, we spend less than 10 percent of what the US spends. There were hot wars and cold wars in the last century, and we don’t want a repeat; and neither do we want to engage in an arms race with anyone. Put the cold war concept to history! Power should be aimed at peace and development. Our focus should be on development for peace. Interests with each other will link us closely, and this interdependence will automatically lead to peace with one another.
Any other issue(s) on which Your Excellency would wish to comment on.
The cultural relations between our two ancient civilisations goes back a long way. There has been 2000 years learning from each other. India has had a lot of influence in China and it is known as the “land of learning”. Buddhism came to China from India. Throughout history many Chinese scholars visited India and took back with them their rich spiritual experiences. The cultural emphasis, therefore, should always be there. In this regard I have planned a special scheme. The ‘Chinese Cultural Month’ will be held in India starting in the second week of April and continuing through to May. A big Chinese group will be visiting; there will be film festivals, dance performances, etc. We have also invited Indians for a similar ‘Indian Cultural Month’ in October this year. Many artists from all provinces have already visited India. The religion, culture, traditions, pageantry, etc., provide rich food for thought and enhance creativity. This exchange of cultural groups and artists is going to be on regular basis. Tagore had visited China twice. Cultural centres also need to be established at the earliest. The exchange of mass media is another important aspect. It will help the flow of ideas, information and economic communication.
I am looking forward to my tenure in India, which will also give me an opportunity to experience the rich traditions and heritage of this ancient land.
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