Willem E C Van Kemenade's in-depth knowledge of China does make an impression. The Beijing-based Kemenade is a senior fellow in the Netherlands Institute of International Relations. Having penned some 1200 articles, essays and monographs, while studying and reporting on China, his distinction as a reputed think tank can't be overlooked. Being a European in China has its pros and cons. Managing Editor Sheela Bhatt caught up with Kemenade when he was in New Delhi to write monograph on China-India and US relations.
Here are some excerpts from the interview:
What attracted you to China?
China was not my first choice. I went to Africa as a freelance journalist when I was 25. In 1971, a lot of things happened. One was the coup in Sudan by the pro-Soviet Communist party against the military dictatorship. The coup was defeated and China moved in a big way immediately to help the right-wing military dictatorship wipe out communism. That interested me.
Later that year, there was the war for the independence of Bangladesh. In the war, US and China were on same side and scolding then Indian prime minister Indira Gandhi as 'a rich and a bitch' for liberating Bangladesh from the military oppression of Yahya Khan regime. That year was also the beginning of America’s opening to China via Pakistan. Yahya Khan was instrumental in setting up Kissinger’s meeting with the Chinese leadership and Nixon visit next year. After reflecting very carefully, I started learning mandarin.
What are your views on China-India relation? Where does it stand now?
It cannot be characterised as very good, but it is not bad either. The relation is expanding and moving forward. But, major issues like China's relations with Pakistan, border and Tibet issues are unresolved. However, it is not an obstacle in developing economic relations or co-operative relationship on terrorism, on Doha rounds and climate change. On number of issues, China and India are on the same side.
How do you assess the border issue?
I am a historian by training and I agree that the border issue is a leftover of colonialism. China does not accept the divide at Aksai Chin and Arunachal Pradesh, as it was decided by the Britishers.
India for domestic political reasons and for reasons of national pride is less willing to compromise to Chinese pressure. In late fifties, Chinese Prime Minister Zhou En-lai had reportedly made the offer to swap the areas. It was unacceptable to India, and Nehru said that India will not give an inch of its territory.
Photographs: Getty Images
Also read: 'China's meteoric rise is making Asia and America nervous'
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