Concerns Over BJP's Approach to China: Priyanka Chaturvedi
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Synopsis
Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Priyanka Chaturvedi challenges Congress veteran Sam Pitroda's claim that China is not an enemy, highlighting the government's troubling lack of seriousness on issues related to China. She emphasizes the contradictions in trade relations and national security concerns.
Key Takeaways
- Priyanka Chaturvedi disagrees with Congress veteran Sam Pitroda's remarks on China.
- She highlights China's violations of international laws and territorial encroachments.
- Critiques the government's trade relations with China.
- Calls for serious attention to national security issues.
- Jairam Ramesh reaffirms Congress's stance on China.
New Delhi, Feb 17 (NationPress) In reaction to Congress veteran Sam Pitroda’s remarks suggesting that India should cease viewing China as an adversary, Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Priyanka Chaturvedi firmly opposed Pitroda, asserting that if there are indeed issues with China, the government’s lack of seriousness regarding the matter is alarming.
In a conversation with IANS, Priyanka Chaturvedi expressed, "Pitroda's assertion that China is not our enemy is misguided. China consistently breaches international laws and has repeatedly intruded upon territories like Arunachal Pradesh and Ladakh. Rahul Gandhi has previously raised this issue, and making such declarations raises doubts about our national security. I trust that the Congress, especially Rahul Gandhi, who has consistently highlighted these concerns, will take this seriously."
She elaborated on the inconsistencies in India’s current dealings with China.
"We maintain the highest trade volume with China, and our trade deficit has ballooned significantly. While we’ve prohibited several Chinese applications, we continue to import products from China under the 'Make in India' initiative. Recently, there were even reports of eased visa regulations for Chinese engineers to help in our technology sector. If the government recognizes any disparities with China, why is it not addressing them earnestly?" she concluded.
Previously, in an interview with IANS, Pitroda indicated that India’s stance towards China has been unnecessarily adversarial from the beginning, fostering an 'enemy' mentality. He proposed that this mindset needs adjustment and that the perceived threat from China is frequently overstated, influenced by US narratives defining foes.
"I believe it is time for us all to foster understanding, enhance communication, collaborate, operate, and co-create, rather than engaging in a command-and-control mentality. China is present... China is progressing... we must acknowledge and respect that... every nation will grow, some faster than others. Those who are impoverished must grow quicker, while developed nations will experience slower growth. The developed will also face an ageing population, while developing nations will have a youthful demographic. We must consider all these factors together," Pitroda conveyed to IANS.
Meanwhile, Congress General Secretary Jairam Ramesh clarified that the perspectives shared by Sam Pitroda do not represent the Congress party’s stance.
“China remains our most significant foreign policy, external security, and economic challenge. The Congress Party has persistently questioned the Modi government’s management of China, particularly following the Prime Minister’s public endorsement of China on June 19, 2020. It is incredibly unfortunate that Parliament has not had the chance to deliberate on this issue and develop a unified strategy to tackle these challenges,” he stated.
Ramesh also referenced his previous remarks on X regarding China on January 28 this year, where he criticized the Modi government’s declaration of normalizing relations with China. He emphasized that numerous questions remain unanswered concerning the Disengagement Agreement of October 21, 2024. He also highlighted the visit of the Foreign Secretary to Beijing and the agreement to restore commercial and cultural ties, including direct flights between the two capitals and the resumption of the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra.
Ramesh noted that Indian patrols had been able to operate in the area without hindrance until May 2020, and many believe that the Government of India should insist on reinstating the status quo before that date.
He also critiqued the Modi government for escalating India’s reliance on China, with Chinese exports to India soaring from $70 billion in 2018-19 to an all-time high of $102 billion in 2023-24. He expressed worry that this trend might persist into 2024-25.
Ramesh raised several inquiries in the letter regarding military patrols in critical regions such as Depsang and Demchok in Ladakh, urging the government to clarify its stance on these sensitive matters.
