Even though diplomats are trained in the art of diplomacy, it is evident that Chinese Ambassador to India Le Yucheng’s words are not in conformity with the ground reality (“‘ >Building ties for the 21st century ’,” April 1). China is India’s natural partner and vice versa. However, this natural partnership lacks trust and, as we all know, no relationship can be substantive and fruitful without trust. The Chinese civil and military organisations are deeply involved in building strategic projects in the Pakistan-Occupied-Kashmir region in the garb of economic development, despite being well aware of the fact that it is disputed territory. China does not enjoy “strategic relations” with most of its neighbours and currently is in the business of buying friendship through its economic might. India always needs to be cautious in its approach towards China even if it stops doing things that affect India’s national security interests.
Gaurav Singhal,
New Delhi
