Modi tells Beijing to reconsider its approach

BEIJING: Visiting Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi told his Chinese counterpart that Beijing needs to “reconsider its approach” to relations between the Asian giants, as the Hindu nationalist leader departed from the usual diplomatic pleasantries.

Modi, who despite his hardline reputation has moved to engage with Beijing since his election last year, made the remarks after being welcomed to the Great Hall of the People by Premier Li Keqiang. “I stressed the need for China to reconsider its approach on some of the issues that hold us back from realising full potential of our partnership,” Modi said.

His comments stood out from the usual public declarations by diplomatic visitors to Beijing, who normally stick to uninterrupted pledges of friendship and good relations.

The world’s two most populous nations are jockeying for regional influence in Asia and their relationship is coloured by a brief but bloody 1962 border war over the northeastern Indian state of Arunachal Pradesh, parts of which Beijing claims as South Tibet.

Another bone of contention is what Beijing sees as Delhi’s support of the Dalai Lama – a Nobel Peace Prize laureate whom China considers a separatist – and the Tibetan Government in exile, both based in India.

“Our relationship has been complex in recent decades,” Modi said, adding there were issues that “trouble smooth development of our relations”.

“But, we have a historic responsibility to turn this relationship into a source of strength for each other and a force of good for the world,” he said, adding that the Chinese leadership had been “responsive” in the meetings. — AFP