China feels baffled as Modi Government hosts ASEAN on Republic Day: Chinese media reaction

Republic Day 2018: As India celebrates 69th Republic Republic day along with the leaders of 10 ASEAN countries, Chinese media is apparently not happy. Chinese state daily Global Times today headlined one of its editorial as “India’s geopolitical bluff baffles China”. While noting that “India and ASEAN have the right to hold the summit, which exerts no negative effect upon China”, the editorial accused “some Indians” of being “tenacious in exaggerating the meeting’s implications to China.” The editorial was of the view that the ASEAN leaders’ visit to India will have no impact on China. “ASEAN’s trade volume with China is more than six times that of India, and China’s investment in the region is 10 times that of India,” Global Times argued while accusing “some members of the Indian elite enjoy engaging in geopolitical bluster.” “But they cannot truly gauge the reality of India’s comprehensive strength and diplomatic experience. They are beginners playing at geopoliticsm” it said. The editorial claimed that “Chinese people are not occupied by India.” It is surprising, however, that the Chinese daily never misses an opportunity to attack India, and mock it through its editorials. It goes on to clarify: “Honestly speaking, Chinese people are not occupied by India. New Delhi is not Beijing’s major trading partner, and, despite border disputes, is not an imminent security threat to us Chinese. China expects peaceful coexistence with India and is happy to witness its cultural and societal progress. China attaches more importance to its eastward development and the Belt and Road initiative.” The editorial indirectly advised India not to compare itself with Beijing. “China never compares itself to the US, because its GDP is only two-thirds that of the US. However, New Delhi, with a GDP only one-fifth that of China, has been striving to prevail over Beijing in almost all aspects.” “The Sino-ASEAN relationship is sound and solid. In spite of territorial disputes, Beijing-Hanoi trade volume exceeds that of Beijing and New Delhi. The China-ASEAN relationship is inclusive and surpasses traditional geopolitics,” it said. Global Times, however, noted that both countries should work together for development. “China and India should work together for development. On the Republic Day 20168, India will showcase military prowess, culture, and diversity in the presence of leaders of the 10 ASEAN nations, who are attending the Republic Day parade as chief guests. On Rajpath, there will be a march past by the Army personnel carrying the ASEAN flag. As many as 23 tableaux, including those representing various states, ministries, the All India Radio (AIR) among others, will also roll down the Rajpath. The ASEAN was founded in 1967, now comprising Thailand, Vietnam, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Myanmar, Cambodia, Laos, and Brunei.