‘Propaganda that India can counter China seeks to raise spending on foreign weapons systems'
Following the launch of Agni-V, India and China must guard against “vested interests” that were playing up the “China threat” and promoting an arms race between the neighbours, the Communist Party-run The Global Times newspaper said on Sunday.
In the wake of the launch of India's first intercontinental ballistic missile with the capability of reaching most cities in China, both countries “should beware of efforts to create widespread fear and tension,” the paper said in an editorial on its website, due to be published on Monday.
“By playing up the ‘China threat' and postulating that India can ‘counter and contain China,' vested interests are hoping to ensure that more and more money is spent on foreign weapons systems rather than domestic manufacture,” said The Global Times, which is known for its strong nationalistic positions but also seen to echo the views of the more hard-line sections within the party and military.
Several state-run media publications have in recent days published commentaries hitting out at the launch of Agni-V, which was widely seen here as being directed at China. The government, however, played down the launch, with the Foreign Ministry stressing that both countries were not rivals but partners.
“Although there is an international effort to paint India and China as enemies and to make the two countries go to war with each other, such an effort will fail,” the newspaper said. “The Chinese and Indian people share a long history and culture, and what is needed is more discussion between the two about their economics, education, tourism and culture.”
It said bad relations would “hurt both countries and aid those who seek to subjugate Asia and the world.”
Strength in unity
“Together, India and China can make Asia strong. Divided, not only these two countries but all of Asia will remain weak,” the editorial said.
The commentary did, however, also echo recent articles published in the official media that played down the threat to China posed by the Indian military.
The Global Times said China had “raced ahead and “outclassed India” in both economic and technological fields, and celebrations in India over Agni-V “conceal the inadequacies” of the missile programme. It claimed that “pressure from NATO member countries” had slowed down the speed of development and restricted the range of Indian missiles. As India, unlike China, imported most of its critical weapons systems from France, the U.S., Russia and Israel, it also faced the risk that these countries could “cut off supplies ammunition during a conflict”.
“By now, India ought to be a space power,” the editorial said. “However, the country is so far behind China in this field that it is embarrassing.”
Keywords: Agni-V launch, arms race, India-China ties
Why should we get annoyed with Chinese actions/statements.China will and always remain wary of Indian development and we must expect them to do their best to downplay and even ridicule our achievements.Why should we not show restraint in critical issues.Are we anywhere near China in Economic and Military might. The highly hyped 'Star Wars' by Ronald Reagan caused the Economic Ruin of Russia BECAUSE THEY BELIEVED AMERICA was trying to up stage them and went for BROKE in rying to match them item by item.The Missile DeterrentIS value for money IF we can streamline our traditional armoury and make a Lean But Deadly Fighting Unit.ARE WE READY TO GET OUT OF OLD AND WORN OUT STRATEGIES.
Forgetting History is the recipie for repetition of Blunders. We do not want to ponder what had happened in 1962 with China.China DID NOT plan to take over India especially good for nothing areas bordering India.Chinese Leaders were UPSET with posing of our Leaders and the Arrogance they felt India showed to them.The so called 'Insult' by one of our TOP leaders given to Chou En Lai during a Banquest was not taken lightly by them.Panditji's high flying Internationalism was seen as a showmanship by them.China made the adventure because they had the information on our strength and weakness and WANTED TO HUMILIATE INDIA which they did successfully and ruthlessly.Why should DRDO Chief go on saying that the Missile can Target Chinese Cities.Statesmanship and Security of nation demand balanced assessment of EVERYTHING.Where do we stand vis a vis China-economically and militarily.Chinese assessment is close to the reality.
War mongers in the West lead by their Arms Industry have tried and successfully exported not just their arms but also their mindset to most countries around the world. So every nation now thinks alike. One small difference. Only we are so thick skinned that denying our people one square meal a day to fill the coffers of the Arms exporting countries does not put us to shame.
Transfer of technology for development and creating conditions that promote fear psyche to sell weapons meant for mass destruction and annihilation of lives is a well thought out strategy.Many corrupt or corruptible or coerced-into-corruption kind of people have lent their support and mandate to equally reprehensible and corruptible political, judicial and governance systems.Even more reprehensible the insanely corrupt among them do not think twice of leaving the nation's resources depleted, its people impoverished and future generation more corrupt and devoid of even a semblance of humanity. Wake up India!
It is nauseating to read the hyper-nationalistic views of some
readers. India should really act more maturedly if it has to exert any
power on the world stage.When the Western world is laying out red
carpets for the Chinese, and every conceivable product is "made in the
PRC", where Chinese language schools are mushrooming by the dozen,and
India is still the land of elephants and Bollywood,one realises how
futile comparisons are.Both societies have to develop to their own
strengths but India can surely draw on some of her ancient wisdom to
deal with China, its second biggest trading partner, a little more
tactfully. Cooperation and not competition will get India ahead. Our
backyard is one of endemic poverty, disease, illiteracy and
corruption. Unless we have taken care of them, no amount of missiles
will ever make India shine. And least of all, let us not forget that
China like India is a great civilization,and we have coexisted as
neighbours peacefully for more than 3000 years.
It is not about comparison between China and India. There is bound to be difference and we must try to bridge the gap. The more we do, the better it is for us. Agni V launch should not be looked from the point of view of China vs India. It should rather be taken as a remarkable milestone achieved in the sphere of strengthening of our military. Less time should be wasted in getting contentious and more effort and energy needs to be channelized to make us more developed. The inspirtation is not too far as we know China has achieved what it is today by sheer good governance and better policy implementation.
Unlike china,India is not one of the permanent members in UN security council. We need to worry about sanctions and other restrictions and we need to depend on others for VETO.
Inspite of the barriers mentioned above, India achieved a mile stone in space and missile technolgy.Congrats to the scientist.This small step (agni v) will be a giant leap in future. China is not far away, and we will soon overtake them.
Why are we so keen on competition and comparison? This sort of mindset limits our own exploration and development. If China wants its missiles to go further, let it develop them. We have enough to defend ourselves? This is the only question. Beyond that, let's focus on development, innovation and prosperity for all. The world can then learn from us how to ignore external stimuli and simply focus on what is important to us. I really have no pride or opinion about wanting to be #1 in anything as long as we're doing our best to be happy and healthy.
May be china is right for one time ,The actual threat is a cover to procure more weapons and also pocket some money.India has several problems, we have huge poverty , jobless rate,High illiteracy rates, lack of hospitals for the poor yet we keep spending on weapons and ammunitions.Everytime there is a defence deal there is also a huge corruption why are we still doing the same ,also last i recall india was a peace loving country famous for obtaining freedom through non violance.
Let us Indians be honest to ourselves and compare ourselves to Pakistan, Sri Lanka and Bangaladesh. We take immense pride in displaying our military might but please note China does not resort to these cheap tactics. In a true war, I regret to say this but they would turn our country into a parking lot in a few hours. Let us be aware of this fact and stop pointing to our Communist neighbor which is light years ahead of us in technology, military and industries. What we can only dream of is achieved by China in reality. Grow up and let us use this information to better our country.
it seems that chinease are thinking that they are no. one in all the fields.....they had forgotten the spiritual strength of india.the moment people of india awaked, the moment the currupion from india removed.....the GDP growth rate of india my touch 25% per annum....
and miraculous change will occur in asia…
I am sure that india will show its real strength within 5 years...
it is the game changing moment...now it is india's turn....
China is definitely ahead in space and missile and space technology
but India is catching up pretty fast.Taking into consideration the
present threats Agni-V is sufficient to deal with them and unlike
China, India doesn't see USA as a threat in today's scenario.The
range of Agni can be increased by DRDO and is more of a political
issue. Chinese held Soviet hand for a long time before graduating into
DF-21.
I don't think that China faces any threat from Indian missiles, On the
contrary it could be the Indian soft power that could cause more
issues to China in future, lets not forget Buddhism spread to China
from India. Before feeling embarrassed at the slow progress in Indian
ballistic technology they may reckon they are making biggest statues
of Lord Buddha in China who was Indian in essence and karma and forms
an inseparable part of their national consciousness.
In a three way competition the strongest and the second strongest will side with the weakest to counter their opponent. the weakest has the choice to join no.1 or no. 2 - A lesson from Chinese historical military strategy Epic - and a strategy proposed by machiavelli. India should take advantage of its position.
China ! definitely not a threat to India. India had a long thousand year old relationship with China. Years back when ruled over by Samurai's , China was trading with India, the rulers had great respect and fear of Indian warriors.They knew India was a mighty force and unconquerable. Their followed the religion who was born in India "Buddha". they learnt the art of martial arts from India. which is still a mystery for the world. The origin of martial arts is India. They carried away Yoga which was extensively practised in India. Their entire lifestyle, culture, tradition and religion is from India. And China is treat to India. India land of several resources gave the world how to live. And today living in INDIA is Pathetic. People live in fear, poverty, corruption and crisis.
Its just like an old university struggling to stand, whereas it Alumni living with flying clours.
Surely this is a correct assessment just as it would be correct to say that a mirror image of vested interests in China are driving for greater military expenditure. A former distinguished general, Dwight Eisenhour, who became US President after the war, had warned the political elite in his country at the time of his retirement from the Presidency about the dangers of a 'military industrial complex', his own words, distorting national priorities in the US. The seeming paradox that greater military expenditure, whilst providing one kind of increased security, also poses a threat to the well being of a country is known. Deng had to humiliate the Chinese army by sending it to lose a war with Vietnam to capture the political space for economic reform that the army opposed. Developments in software industries in India may have been thwarted by diverting resources for self-sufficiency in military hardware, until economic reform in the 1980s allowed the software industry to develop.
On one breath influential Chinese media Global Times talk of Asian unity between China and India and the next they belittle and denigrate India and its achievements. I don't quite get it. Is this a schizophrenic reaction on their part so incensed by India launching Agni-V!
Lamenting chinese media clearly indicates that India is already making
biggest achievements it's defence roadmap,
" China outclassed India in both economic and technological fields, and
celebrations in India over Agni-V conceal the inadequacies"
On reading this lines, it gives me a mirthful laugh that why chines
media has not utter any word about it's biggest vulnerability (the Fuel
and its supply lines). In this perspective, our hand is high, it can be
easily breached with in a minutes of any conflict, Indian missiles or ours
allies would strike and destroy these supply lines, storage facilities
and buffer infrastructure.
With clear strategic defence and allies,India will outclass chinese aggression in any form.our Agni - V launch and its advertisement is just
a part of our diplomacy and to implement Stability-instability paradox
theory.
A perfect example of mind-games people play to demoralize the other. So far as military technology and self sufficiency in weaponry is concerned, China is leagues ahead of India. Where was the need for this kind of sustained commentary on the AGNI-V launch? But then of course India is perceived to be a possible threat to China's ambitions, so its par for the course to ridicule, denigrate, instigate others (AGNI has potential of 8000 km, range up to Europe!), etc... Well, let them be, let us get on with our own development as we think fit.
Our effort is to keep our nation ready to face any adverse situation. This is not an effort to contain anyone, the world and everyone should know that.
India and China would be a more better friends when are equal in all respects. China must know that and appriciate our effort.
According to 'global times' we are far behind to China economically and
technologically still it seams that this news has caught them offguard
and Chinese newspapers are regularly putting this issue forward in their
newspaper giving contradictory statements. This surely means its a great
feat to achieve.
So true.. We are far behind China in many occasions. We can't just
boast with this Agni-V (Military) achievement. I would love to see
INDIA growing a greater power in all aspects. Now, its not time to
compare with CHINA, but we must see where we are now. AGNI-V is a big
achievement, but there are many things that need attention too. When
India goes in "arms race" with China, why not go for all kind of races
with China !! So, India can not only be strong in Military. We will be
better in everything, someday!! I don't know when, with all the
corruptions India's into. Let's all hope we equal China in everything
SOON.
“United we stand, divided we fall”. It’s the highest time we should understand this, at least in context of India, China, and all south asian countries; If all the south asian countries stand together, then the whole world will be in our feet. India still lags behind in terms of development in comparison to other south asian countries; but everyone knows it has potential to grow real fast; and other south asian countries are showing the whole world what they can acieve by their hard work. In this 21st century, US is applying "Divide N Rule" policy to divide the power centre (south asia) of the world; US knows it very well that, if china and india unites, then none and none means literally none can stand in front of this combo. So, they apply all of their energy and power to divide so that both the countries be engaged in other silly irelevant things. We urge leaders of both countries to take concrete steps together and show the whole world its true potential.
It seems the wings of 'Agni-V' have ignited a fire(fear) in the minds of chinese though they are far ahead of india in this arena.
kudos to 'the global times'! atleast, there is one entity which sees the reality. It ridiculous to say that India could contain China. They are far ahead economically that it is actually 'embarrassing' to compare India with China. People of India must realize that the so called 'China threat' is the theory aimed to boost western interests. India should try to educate her people of real enemies and its actual power.
This is no more than self defence, sure India does not have a big military industry of its own to boast about, so it has to import and thus the huge spending bills, but we know what China is all about since 1962 and the hindi-chini bhai bhai song which caught us sleeping. If one notices the agressive chinese communist party policies towards other smaller nations in the South China Sea, this itself is clear that we should never be caught unware again. The chinese must be rattled, for once, since they had no prior notice of this test, so all this good old rhetoric as usual about partners, what partners? they are just invading us with all their cheap goods and even making goods as if made in India and selling them in Africa etc... India should by all means defend its frontiers so that history does not repeat again. Jai Hind.
India never occupies and holds other nations land. If China wants to keep peace in this region, they should keep quiet about all border issues.
Every country has the right to strengthen its defence forces to avert any misadventure by enemy nations. India has to catch up a lot to match China and that's a reality.
How can India be a space power ? And what does being a "space power" mean ? Building space stations that are utterly useless and very expensive ? Sending men to space that India did with Russian help back in the 80s ? China's claim to space proficiency is ridiculous - apart from ego boosting exercises and pride displays, they have really achieved nothing of any scientific value.
By this statement "By now, India ought to be a space power. However, the country is so far behind China in this field that it is embarrassing" the Global Times Newspaper is implicitly admitting that China is embarrassed by being behind the USA and Russia in space power. It would be great to know the number of years China would be behind the USA, if and when a Chinese sets foot on the Moon!
Let us not fritter away our GDP growth by lining the pockets of the merchants of weapons. While at the same time we need to be pragmatically wary of the growing clout of our neighbour.
Hahahahahah....It all sounds like a Big boy crying because a junior boy outwitted him and asking to be friends and at the same time threaten to Beat him.....I could nt Imagine such Great country like China can become so insecure by a muchh smaller and weaker country....in the same Breath they call for unity and Shunning the West and in the next they bash us...How on can we be united with such an insecure person....???
What were chinese intentions in developing missiles that can target 13,000 kms and can carry much more pay load than this agni V, First they must make their intentions clear, 13,000 kms can cover all of planet earth.
Please Email the Editor