Modi's US trip: Gains on H-1B, climate issues to benefit China, says report

Issues discussed between the leaders will impact bilateral ties and other countries

Ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to the US, the Chinese official media said on Friday any gains made by him in his talks with President Donald Trump, on immigration and climate change will also benefit China.

"It will be interesting to see how Modi's visit to the US will influence the two countries' bilateral economic ties," an article in the state-run Global Times said.

"Chinese people will take a close look at the summit because some of the issues also concern China's interests," it said.

"For instance, Trump is reforming US immigration policies, including the H1B visa, a type of visa whose biggest and second-biggest recipients are India and China, respectively."

H1B visa programme is the most sought-after by Indian IT firms and professionals.

"The curb on H1B visas is bad news not only for the Indian IT sector but also Chinese students studying in US universities. China will most likely be willing to express support for India's stance over the H1B visa, and hopefully the problem can get solved during Modi's summit with Trump," it said.

Also in the backdrop of Trump withdrawing from the Paris climate deal, any gains made by Modi on climate issues will benefit China, it said.

"The dispute over climate issues will perhaps continue to evolve during the upcoming (Modi-Trump) summit. Will Modi use the opportunity to pressure the US to undertake its obligations?," it said as China too announced its adherence to the Paris deal.

"Against this background, some key issues such as the H1B visa programme and Paris agreement are likely to have a much greater impact on the whole picture of the bilateral ties, and thus the two countries may have more motivation to solve these problems. If the Modi-Trump meeting can make achievements in this regard, other countries like China are also expected to benefit from it," the article said.

"China is glad to see India and the US strengthening their economic ties. However, New Delhi's bargaining power in negotiations with Washington is limited, so it is unrealistic for Modi to totally change Trump's attitude toward the H1B visa and Paris agreement. China needs to have a clear anticipation of the summit and be prepared for any eventualities," it said.