Washington, Nov 26: In a shift from an otherwise cautious Indian approach of not playing up its concerns over Chinese aggressiveness, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh has for the first time conveyed his views on an assertive China to US President Barack Obama.
He also explained how this was being reflected increasingly along the disputed Sino-Indian border.
“I did mention (to the US President) this greater assertiveness from China. We did not, as such, seek any help. It came up as we reviewed the world situation,” said Singh while responding to a question on whether he conveyed to Obama the views he aired on China’s assertiveness at the Council on Foreign Relations a day earlier.
It is, however, learnt that China was discussed in considerable detail during the restricted meeting between the two leaders which lasted for about an hour.
In fact, the PM also brought up the mention of India and Pakistan resolviObama assured the PM that the statement was “not aimed at any third party intervention” on this issue and that it was just an expression of hope which should not be misconstrued. “I was satisfied with what President Obama told me,” said Singh.
Both sides agreed they need to work closely in not just bringing stability in South Asia, but also in the Asia-Pacific which is based on shared doubts over the implications of an increasingly aggressive China.
This was reflected in the PM’s statement this morning on the conclusion of his visit. “He (Obama) told me that the United States highly values India’s role in the reconstruction and development of Afghanistan. We had similar views on establishing peace and security in the Asia-Pacific.”
The repeated mention of Asia-Pacific as a region of discussion between the two sides is a significant development because India is not a member of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) council. And Obama’s visit to East Asia in mid-November was focused on APEC with China taking the lead in building this as Asia’s core. The fact that both countries were concerned about stability in Asia-Pacific is being seen as a subtle recognition of Indian views.
At the same time, both India and US did agree that the world has to deal with a rising China but the effort was to ensure the rise is “peaceful”. In fact, the common conclusion was that the way forward is through engagement.
Singh made it clear that India favoured the approach but only hoped for an equally responsive China. “I mentioned to the President that like other countries, we also welcome a peaceful rise of China. China is after all one of our biggest trading partners.”
–Agencies