This refers to the report “India China to raise bilateral trade to $100 billion by 2011” (December 16). The Chinese premier’s India visit offers many lessons.
First, China puts its interest above everything and Chinese would not give up anything without extracting a price for any “sacrifice”.
Second, China would never openly declare that Pakistan is a source of terror in Kashmir and other parts of India, a fact most major democracies accept.
Third, increasing the volume of bilateral trade with China without a proper trade balance is going to be more beneficial for Chinese industries than it would be for India.
Fourth, imports of manufactured goods from China without a corresponding export of manufactured goods from India would help our businessmen get cheap imports, but harm our industries in the long run. If we fail to recognise that China is a very tough trade partner, and do not do our homework well in the years to come, we would continue just importing from China and it will always have the last laugh.
Finally, China would not mind taking a view that may harm India, if it involves the former’s national interest.
Narendra M Apte, Pune
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