Chinese Vignettes—China, India should be partners, not rivals
Categories: FOREIGN COUNTRIES
India and China have had a history of highs and lows. The bilateral relations reached rock bottom, when in 2020 the armies of both sides engaged in a violent clash in the Galwan Valley. Following the deadly clash, both sides gradually enhanced their manpower by deploying more soldiers as well as heavy armaments.The minister added that ‘some forces’ have always tried to stir up conflict between the neighbours. However, the two countries, which account for one-third of humanity, can control their destiny and achieve their goals ‘only by staying independent.’ China chooses to maintain a diplomatic distance from the Russia-Ukraine conflict. However, the stance to 'not step in' does not sit well with the European lawmakers who have identified Beijing as a potential peacemaker in the conflict, given the close ties between President Xi and President Putin.Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba also said that he had been assured that "China is interested in stopping this war, Chinese diplomacy has sufficient tools to make a difference, and we count that it is already involved." President Xi during his call with French President Macron and German Chancellor Scholz made it clear that Beijing has been critical of Western sanctions against Russia. According to reports, China is considering purchasing or increasing stakes in Russian energy and other companies, such as Gazprom, to secure its imports, despite its pledge to maintain normal trade relations with Russia. While its ties with Russia remain ‘rock solid,’ it urges ‘maximum restraint’ to avoid a large-scale humanitarian disaster. Tensions are once again running high between China and the US, with the former accusing the latter of going to ‘great lengths’ to engage in constant competition between the two countries. According to the South China Morning Post, US President Joe Biden urged Congress to send to his desk a legislation intended to strengthen its competitiveness against China.At his press conference on Monday, Chinese FM Wang Yi accused an unspecified ‘major power’ of still having a ‘Cold War mentality’ and seeking to maintain its position as a hegemon. And made it clear that China opposes any form of bullying by major powers,and is committed to pushing international governance to achieve greater equality.