Beijing May 16: China has asked India to shed narrow-minded nationalism and  learn from the US to get along with China despite the existence of some disputes, writes P.K.Balachandran in www.bdnews24.com

In an editorial on India’s absence at the Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation which concluded on May 15, the Chinese official organ Global Times said that it is almost impossible for two big countries to reach agreement on all things. There are many differences between China and the US, but still China and the US have maintained smooth bilateral relations. New Delhi can learn from this.

“India hopes that it can shape bilateral relations more actively, and expects China to give special attention to the interests of India. But this is not how countries interact,” the editorial said categorically.

“If India sees itself as a big power, it should get accustomed to the many divergences with China, and try to manage these divergences with China,” it advised.

There is ground for cooperation and co-existence despite differences on some issues, the government organ felt.

“ Sino-Indian relations have not seen a serious downturn. The border of the two countries has been peaceful in these years, the most important force for stable bilateral relations. Both countries have prioritized economic and social development in their national strategies. Maintaining friendly ties conforms to the two countries’ fundamental interests. The specific frictions between Beijing and New Delhi should not be regarded as a signal for intense geopolitical competition,” it said.

The Global Times noted that New Delhi is primarily against the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), a flagship project along the Belt and Road (B&R) which goes through Pakistani-controlled Kashmir. Both India and Pakistan claim sovereignty over Kashmir, which is under the control of both sides.

Then it goes on to say that “China insists the Kashmir dispute is between India and Pakistan and it has no intention of intervening. The CPEC is a cooperation project in a purely economic sense with no aim to stir up political trouble.”

Blaming the recent rise of ultra-nationalism in India for New Delhi’s hostility to Beijing the Global Times said: “ It should be pointed out that some people in India, with the ability to influence public opinion, have a shallow analysis of state interests, and an outdated understanding of geopolitics. Their stereotyped view of China continues to spread to the whole of Indian society, which may have destructive power. India and China should be vigilant about this.”

(The featured image at the top shows an Indian demonstration calling for a boycott of Chinese goods)