Beijing: The Chinese propaganda machinery is caught between the hawks and the pragmatists on India, with doctrinaire Communists unhappy about the “deal on terror“ and the comparatively more realistic members of the party leaning towards the business side of ties with New Delhi.
Analysts said on Tuesday that President Xi Jinping’s decision to bury the hatchet with India, and pave the way for better relations soon after the Doklam crisis, was prompted by the upcoming Communist Party Congress.
Communists leaders, provincial and municipal governments in China are closely connected with businesses, which are keen on tapping the potential of the Indian market.
Business CEOs based in Shanghai, Shenzhen, and Hangzhou carry considerable clout within the party because they represent “Brand China“ in the Fortune 500 list.
But, BRICS declaration, condemning two Pakistan-ba sed terrorist groups, at India’s behest, angered the hawkish sections of the Communist Party , who regard China-Pakistan relations as more important than deals with India.
Analysts pointed out that Xi preferred to meet New Delhi’s demand because it could potentially open up the Indian market further. He stands to gain in terms of support from the business minded sections of the party during the upcoming Congress, observers said.
Ramesh Thakur, professor at the Australian National University , told TOI, “There are analysts in China who are star ting to realise that there are only two allies, North Korea and Pakistan, and both are major diplomatic liabilities. They think it might be better if China somehow accommodates India, which is a bigger player, and forget all about Pakistan, which is a liability.“
Thakur added,“This agreement on (BRICS declaration) is an important milestone for Xi ahead of the Party Congress.“
China is still juggling two balls in trying to project itself as a “major country“ and trying to convince other countries including India that it has no desire to dominate the region. http://epaperbeta.timesofindia.com/Article.aspx?eid=31808&articlexml=Xi-preferred-to-meet-Delhi-demand-due-to-06092017021037
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