M A I N   N E W S

China’s role in Arunachal, J&K puts India on guard
Ashok Tuteja & Ajay Banerjee
Tribune News Service

New Delhi, September 1
Aggressive posturing by China on Jammu and Kashmir and its unusual interest in the Indian Ocean has annoyed New Delhi, forcing it to seriously consider ways to counter Beijing. India is considering adopting a “proactive” approach on Tibet and also exposing China’s clandestine nuclear cooperation with Pakistan.

According to sources privy to yesterday’s meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS), the government is considering a multi-pronged strategy to deal with China’s aggressiveness on issues critical to India's sovereignty, particularly J&K and Arunachal Pradesh. The message is clear to Beijing -- its recent actions on J&K were not in line with the efforts being made by New Delhi to normalise ties notwithstanding the complex border dispute.

Sources said India would stick to its stance of not having any military ties with China following its refusal to give visa to Lt Gen BS Jaswal on the ground that he commands Indian forces in Jammu and Kashmir. Notably, Gen Jaswal was to go to China on a scheduled official visit. India, in retaliation, suspended defence exchanges and denied visas to three Chinese Army officers who were slated to visit India. The Armies of the two nations had conducted brief joint exercises on counter-terrorism in the past.

Meanwhile, a top-level military delegation from India tonight heads for Korea — China’s ‘not so cordial’ neighbour — to look at strategic cooperation for developing niche military equipment. Defence Minister AK Antony will lead the delegation. “India is looking at specific high-end research and development being done in the private sector in Korea… some of the Korean companies are doing well… India is looking at a mechanism by which the two countries can work together,” said a senior official of the Ministry of Defence. Leading private companies, which are global giants, have very good technology in shipbuilding and precision engineering, said sources.

Separately, sources said a section of officials within the South Block feel it is time for India to become proactive on Tibet as well as on China’s clandestine nuclear cooperation with Pakistan. So far, New Delhi has consistently maintained that the Tibetan Autonomous Region is an integral part of China.

A senior official said, “Our position on Tibet should not be misunderstood as a sign of weakness by China… what if we also start questioning the status of Tibet.’’

India, has also decided to campaign vigorously against China’s decision to build two nuclear power plants for Pakistan in violation of the guidelines of the nuclear suppliers’ group (NSG). The sources said New Delhi would in the coming days lobby over the issue with leading NSG members, which have been vehemently opposed to nuclear proliferation.

India is also wary of Beijing’s attempts to entrench its influence in India’s neighbourhood, particularly in Sri Lanka, Myanmar and the Maldives. External Affairs Minister SM Krishna yesterday told Parliament that China’s “more than the normal interest” in Indian Ocean affairs and its “intentions” were being closely monitored.

New Delhi has come to realise that China has been showing more than normal interest in the Indian Ocean. In January this year, India along with 12 of its eastern neighbours had conducted a massive six-day naval exercise off the coast of Andaman Islands. Some of the participating nations do not have “cordial relations” with China.

This is the second time in recent years that China has questioned the accession of Jammu and Kashmir to India, clearly reflecting its tilt towards its “fair weather friend” Pakistan on what is essentially a bilateral issue between India and Pakistan. Early last year, China had started ve interestissuing visas to Indian nationals from Jammu and Kashmir on separate sheets, stapled on the passports. 

Taming the dragon

l New Delhi to adopt ‘proactive’ approach on Tibet; will expose Beijing’s clandestine N-cooperation with Pakistan

l India wary of China’s attempts to increase influence in India's neighbourhood — in Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Maldives

l Defence Minister Antony leaves for Korea, China’s ‘not so good’ neighbour, with top-level military delegation