This justifies India's threat perception about China.
Yes, there is some justification. But, is it based on realties? I do not see any major regional military conflict with India coming.
There is lot of talk about 'encirclement of India' by China. It is strengthening relations with Bhutan, Nepal, Bangladesh and Myanmar besides holding on to its ties with Pakistan.
India has not been so successful in developing relations with its immediate neighbours. Its problem with Pakistan is understandable, but India has failed to develop fully its relations with Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and Nepal. You can not blame it on China.
What is China's ambition?
China's strategic goal, since the 1860s, has been to be prosperous and strong. When Margaret Thatcher went to china in 1982 to negotiate the future of Hong Kong, China issued the communiqué saying that it is interested in preserving the stability and prosperity of Hong Kong. Stability and prosperity are the goals of China. I don't think, at this moment, China has any territorial design against any country.
Taiwan, of course, is a different story. Taiwan has historically been a part of China. In 1895, Taiwan was conquered by Japan. China does not want Taiwan to remain under strategic control of the US and Japan. China wants to end it at any cost, hopefully short of war. But, military conflict is not ruled out.
India should handle its interest in such a way that it becomes a dominant power in South Asia. China does not want strategic control of South Asian countries. China wants prosperity and wants to eliminate all obstacles against optimal economic development. It has solved all its border problems, except with India. It has extensive schemes for energy supply, road network, ports and airports in place. It is tremendously successful in building its infrastructures. They have done all this to be prosperous.
How do you view the ongoing debate in India over the Indo-US nuclear deal? Will it affect the prestige of India?
A lot of people are appreciating India for the hot debate. However, that should not be taken into account while considering the content of the agreement. If India can become a legal nuclear power without subscribing to all the clauses of the non-proliferation regime then it will definitely be an advantage to India. Also, do not forget that China too has a nuclear agreement with the US and dozens of other agreements.
What can India learn from China?
Pragmatism. China does not have the ideological approach to economic problems. China has downgraded State sector and give a full play to foreign investments, but it needs to learn from India how to allow private companies to grow.
Also read: What makes China tick?
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