Geography Reference
In-Depth Information
outstanding differences with a view to enhancing mutual understanding and
building a relationship of constructive cooperation based on a recognition of
India's legitimate security concerns'.
8
The 1998-99 Indian defense report, issued in the midst of the deterioration of
Sino-Indian relations that followed India's May 1998 nuclear tests, toned down
the rhetoric about China. Yet a full paragraph was still devoted to China. India
'does not regard China as an adversary but as a great neighbour
with which it
would like
to develop mutually beneficial and friendly relations'. [Emphasis
added.] The report conveyed India's concern at the still unresolved border issue:
'India has expressed its interest time and again in resolving the boundary dispute
with China…as quickly as possible'. China's 'assistance to Pakistan's nuclear
weapons programme and the transfer of missiles and missile technology to
Pakistan affect the security situation in South Asia', the report stated.
9
The 1999-2000 defense report doubled over the previous report the amount of
space devoted to China. China 'continued the process of modernization of its
Armed Forces. The defense cooperation between China and Pakistan also
continues.' 'Sino-Pakistan and Pakistan-North Korean defence co-operation,
which encompass transfer of nuclear technology, assistance in the missile
development programme and the transfer of conventional military equipment to
Pakistan is yet another area of concern and potential instability'.
10
INDIA IN CHINESE OFFICIAL SECURITY STATEMENTS
There is a stark contrast between the long litany of Indian concerns about China,
and the paucity of comparable China's concerns about India expressed in official
Chinese defense statements. The People's Republic of China issued its first-ever
defense white paper in July 1998. That was just two months after India's nuclear
tests and the 'China-threat' justification of those tests, and in the midst of a
serious deterioration of Sino-Indian relations that followed those events.
In spite of this, India figured only marginally in China's 1998 defense white
paper. The chief threat to China came, the 1998 white paper made clear, from the
trend toward interference in domestic politics by 'some big powers', continuing
'cold war mentality' by those big powers, and those same powers' effort to
achieve security by alliances and arms buildups. In plain speech, the United
States, its actions and alliances, constituted by far the gravest threat to China's
security.
There were exactly
three
references to India in the 1998 report. Two referred
to Indian
and
Pakistani May 1998 nuclear tests which had 'seriously impeded the
international non-nuclear arms proliferation efforts and provoked grave
consequences on (sic) peace and stability in the south Asian region and the rest
of the world. The task for the international community to strengthen non-
proliferation mechanisms has become more pressing now'. The joining of India
