The “Hindi-Chini bhai bhai” euphoria fostered by Nehru-Chou En Lai evaporated with the 1962 war (The Great Claw of China, Feb 7). Since then, both countries have harboured a mutual distrust and caution in ties. In fact, it was India which started the provocation by organising and training the guerrilla force code-named Est 22, from the thousands of Tibetan youngsters deserting Tibet following the Dalai Lama seeking asylum in India. Again, when a large-scale Chinese troop presence was cited in northern Pakistan, “Indians worked up into a tizzy” stating this was a hostile military build-up against India, when Chinese troops were actually stationed there mainly for flood relief work. Anthony Shimray’s confessions should be taken with a huge pinch of salt. He still remains a Naga insurgent and would say anything to provoke India against China. Now, we have another Tibetan embarrassment, the Karmapa, suspected to be a Chinese informer and getting paid for it! The need of the hour for India is to get rid of the simmering lack of trust vis-a-vis China, and make renewed and sincere attempts to understand each other.
Col C.V. Venugopalan (Retd), Palakkad
Instead of making empty noises on the border issue and stapled visas, India should concentrate on enhancing its military capability. China already has an anti-satellite weapon and stealth fighter, and is also developing missiles to destroy aircraft carriers. Even the US has taken note of Chinese military capabilities. India has the indigenous combat aircraft Tejas, nuclear submarines with ballistic missiles capability, but it needs to do much more on its own rather than rely on the US.
Deendayal M. Lulla, on e-mail
The thing is, goat-like people always get wolf-like rulers. At this point we definitely miss a leader like Indira Gandhi.
B.N. Acharya, Cuttack
One can change friends, but not a neighbour, hostile or otherwise. China’s support to North Korea in building a nuclear stockpile and its pat to the Myanmarese junta are further evidence of its anarchist intentions. The world is quite amused to see China’s lopsided idea of ‘growth’, empowering people economically while stripping them of their political/civil rights—for it is a violation of the ‘law of nature’.
Rohit Rai, Delhi
As far as I am concerned, the relationship between India and China will never be strengthened until the Nagas are freed.
Yarteo, Bangalore
India need not worry. Unless China follows its economic liberalisation with political freedoms, it will only explode.
B.V. Gopal Rao, Warangal
The Chinese gameplan is clear: weaken India economically and militarily. And it has found India’s measure in its weak-kneed politicos and their wishy-washy postures.
Scaria Verghese, Melbourne
