China’s Permanent Representative to UN, Liu Jieyi has reiterated Beijing’s claim that Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohamed (JeM) Chief Masood Azhardoes not qualify as a terrorist who would have to face UN sanctions. Speaking to reporters on Friday after assuming the rotating presidency of the Security Council, Liu asserted that Azhar did not meet “the Council’s requirements” to be considered a terrorist. Asked about China exercising a virtual veto at the UN sanctions committee by putting a hold on Azhar being declared a terrorist subject to a range of punitive actions, Liu said: “Individuals and orgnisations on the sanctions list of the United Nations would have to meet the requirements. It is the responsibility of all the members of the Council to make sure that each requirement is followed.” Pressed further about in what way Azhar fell short of being a terrorist, Liu said: “The Council’s requirements.” Implying he did not meet them, Liu would not go into details.[i]
This is not the first time China has thwarted Indian attempts to bring to fore, Pakistan complicity in spread of international terrorism. China in a bid to further strengthen its strategic linkages with Pakistan, has been shielding it in international forums. This time however, India seems to have taken a serious note of this Chinese stance. There were recent press reports about Indian government contemplating tightening of restrictions on Chinese companies in India as a response to the Chinese actions in United Nations.
Chinese press has been suggesting that a move of this nature would ultimately hurt Indian interests and would slow down Chinese FDI in India. The Chinese would therefore hope to continue to exploit the lucrative Indian markets while at the same time hurting Indian interests elsewhere. To an extent our own wavering policies are to be blamed for this situation. The Chinese are encouraged towards this behaviour because they have been getting away with it in the past. While it’s no one’s case that we should be jingoistic and belligerent, yet we can also not be taken for a ride. A firm response is needed. Many in the Indian establishment may disagree but by not giving a rejoinder to the Chinese actions we would only be encouraging it.
India today can be confident of its economic prowess and the growth potential of the Indian economy is not hostage to Chinese FDI. On the other hand it is China who is in greater need of expanding its economic footprint in India. We should therefore not let them beat us in the mind game and convince us otherwise. The world is watching India closely in anticipation of its rise as a global player. Taking occasional hard-line positions and defending them even at a cost is the price we have to be prepared to pay in case we have to be a power to reckon with. The world respects only the currency of power and strength.
End Notes
[i] ‘Masood Azhar Doesn’t Meet Criteria To Be Banned As Terrorist: China’, NDTV.com, accessed 8 April 2016, http://www.ndtv.com/india-news/pathankot-attack-mastermind-not-a-terrorist-china-reiterates-at-un-1306529.