China downplays India's friendly ties with ASEAN countries
ASEAN leaders have descended in India to enjoy a three-day jamboree comprising bilateral meetings, India-ASEAN Commemorative Summit and Republic Day celebrations. China was guarded about India hosting ASEAN leaders. Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Hua Chunying said, "China is open to all countries developing friendly relations. So, we are okay with India developing friendly and cooperative relations with ASEAN countries." Here's more about China's reaction.
What is India's "Act East" policy that pursues ASEAN nations?
India's "Look East" policy was born of the need to pursue better economic relations with Asia-Pacific nations. This was initiated during the PV Narasimha Rao's prime-ministership in the 1990s. Subsequent PMs AB Vajpayee and Manmohan Singh also pursued this policy leading to India-ASEAN's better engagement. Under PM Modi, to strengthen India's resolve of engaging with ASEAN, it was tweaked to "Act East" policy.
What do India-ASEAN's deepening ties signify?
Reportedly, India is deepening its ties with the 10-bloc ASEAN to counter China's rising military and economic assertiveness in Asia-Pacific and its growing presence in the Eurasian continent, through the Belt and Road initiative. Allegedly, China isn't happy about this development. It is trying to win over foes like Philippines and Vietnam, who have contesting claims with China in the South China Sea.
What does China have to say about this?
However, Hua claimed that China's wariness about deepening India-ASEAN relations was "media creation." She said, "In recent days some Indian media seems to have cultivated a habit. They will link their domestic affairs with China." She added, "I don't know what the Indian leadership think of that. But I want to say that India media is not very confident and they don't trust us."
