People's Democracy

AS we go to press, the Prime Minister of the People's Republic of China, Zhu Rongji, would have concluded his six-day state visit to India. The results have been significant in more than one sense. Apart from the timing of the visit and the setting up of an anti-terrorism mechanism between the two countries, wide-ranging agreements have been signed. These include cooperation in the field of tourism, space, science and technology, exchange of scientific personnel and sharing of hydrological information. While the first of these has led to the much awaited direct air connection between Delhi and Beijing, the last is expected to significantly help forecasting of floods of the mighty Brahmaputra, bringing the consequent relief to lakhs of people in the North-East.

According to reports, both China and India have signalled a strong intent to move ahead with a multifaceted relationship while handling differences "appropriately". Both sides found "no reason" why the relationship should not move forward. China, on its part, maintained its neutral stance regarding the Indo-Pak stand- off, saying it would like to see the two countries resolve their differences through dialogue.

The most significant aspect of the visit has been the millions of dollars worth business deals signed between the 25-member business delegation accompanying the Chinese premier, and the Indian corporate sector. The strong signals sent out to strengthen business links, as also to coordinate positions regarding the WTO stipulations on various issues, is a positive development.

The unfortunate official and media response to this visit was best summed up in the lead editorial of The Times of India: "It is a measure of our obsession with the K-word and Pakistan, that the six-day state visit of Chinese premier Zhu Rongji to the Indian shores, has barely created a ripple in the media. Apart from the odd ministerial statement and the mandatory picture of Mr. Zhu and his wife in front of the Taj, one could almost be excused for thinking that the Chinese premier -- the second most powerful leader from the Middle Kingdom -- was in India to pay a casual private visit. Let's face it: Beijing has emerged as a major world player in economic and strategic terms. If the long 20^th century belonged to America, then the new millennium probably belongs to the oriental dragon."

Arguing for a much stronger cooperation between the neighbouring Asian giants, the same editorial continues: "Aside from strategic concerns and cooperation, Beijing today is a global economic player of exceptional strength and depth. …..If Mr. Zhu's visit can help re-focus the relationship between the two Asian giants from sporadic suspicion and long-term indifference, to sustained economic cooperation, then he will have done much to bring down the Chinese wall."

But there is a serious question mark on this government's ability and inclination to follow such a direction. This comes from the fact that the RSS chief, going a step ahead of Defence Minister's anti-China diatribes in the past, has promptly cautioned the Vajpayee government against China's "goody-goody" behaviour and called to strengthen our defence positions! The RSS is patently asking its political arm, the BJP, to increase hostilities with China and, thus, work against our country's interests. At the same time, the RSS blatantly displays its servility to US imperialism and the strengthening of the latter's hold over our country. With such "friends", does India require any enemies?