New Delhi
10 August 2009
China wants India to build strategic mutual trust, but its own intent is anything
but helpful. At least that is an impression one gets from an article written by a Chinese
analyst under a pseudonym.
The August 8 article, which coincided with the recently concluded 13th round of Sino-
Indian border talks here, appeared under the caption: "If China takes a little action, the
so-called Great Indian Federation can be broken up."
It said China should back aspirations of Tamils, Nagas, Assamese and Kashmiris for
their respective independent states, like in Europe. The premise being that India, with
the exception of the predominantly Hindu and Hindi heartland, did not exist as a nation
in history.
The article under the pseudonym of Zhan Lue (or strategy) also argued for encouraging
Bangladesh to give a push to the independence of West Bengal and wresting the 90,000
square kilometres of Indian territory in "Southern Tibet" or Arunachal Pradesh.
DS Rajan, director of Chennai Centre for China Studies, translated the article from
Chinese for circulation in India. He told this newspaper that the article might not
necessarily reflect the views of the Chinese Government, but the fact that a prominent
Chinese think tank chose the same for publication, suggested some official sanction.
It showed that at least some in China had a jingoistic attitude towards India, Rajan said.
Another article, published under the same pseudonym a few months ago, visualised a
partial war with India. The analyst, who appeared to be a high-level cadre, perhaps with a
military background, said the best for China would be to dismember India and to make
her spit what she has swallowed.
It also talked about making Sikkim independent, rejuvenating Pakistan, and restoring
freedom of choice to Bhutan and Nepal. The subtext of the article was that if India is
clever, she should stop depending on the United States support and sit down for sincere
talks with China.
The Chinese analyst also referred to another source of challenge that can contribute to a
new large-scale Sino-Indian military clash: India's opposition to China's proposal to
carry out projects aimed at diverting Brahmaputra waters.
The publication of the hawkish articles contrasts with Beijing's official position that China
and India "no other option than living in peace and developing side by side".
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