No more at sea

"With China's increased engagement in the Indian Ocean region causing concern in some circles in India, it is good that the two sides have begun exploring ways of working together on the maritime front. 

The Hindu : Opinion / Editorial : No more at sea: A multi-ministerial group is to finalise the details of the anti-piracy proposal. Once operationalised, this may well see Indian and Chinese naval vessels cooperating with each other on the high seas."

A regular Sino-Indian dialogue on maritime matters will dispel the fears both sides have developed about each other, fears the U.S. is able to take advantage of by playing the role of a balancer.

In China's parliament, a long list of millionaires

"Membership of the National People's Congress provides wealthy businessmen a powerful platform and secures their support for the Communist Party of China."

The net worth of the 70 richest delegates at the National People's Congress (NPC), the Chinese Parliament and top legislative body, the country's 3,000-member legislative house, rose by a stunning $11.5 billion last year. The Hindu : Opinion / Op-Ed : In China's parliament, a long list of millionaires.

The 70 richest delegates' net worth was $89.8 billion. Their appointment to government bodies handed them a powerful platform in a business climate which values official contacts. The practice of bringing in China's wealthiest individuals into political advisory bodies largely serves two purposes. For the party, giving the business elite a voice in policy decisions was seen as a way of securing their political support. For the businessmen, there was “strong incentive to become ‘within system' due to the relative weakness in the rule of law and of property rights”

The marriage of business and politics that takes place at the highest levels has increasingly become a source of public anger and debate. This has been reflected in the growing resentment towards official corruption and renewed calls for economic reforms, amid concerns about fast-rising inequality.

China must not shut its eyes to the powerful, vested interests that have been monopolising the benefits of China's reform and opening movement, thus impeding deeper reform. The core of reform is not about opening coastal cities to boost the economy but about paying more attention to people's social welfare.

Tibet and China, rising tensions

Jayadeva Ranade, explains the various religious tensions between Tibet and China... He also explains the after-effects of self-immolation of 22 Tibetans in China...

China braces for heightened tension in restive Tibet

Playing The Gentle Giant

Beijing's attempts to promote Chinese soft power are falling short - even in Hong Kong

Playing The Gentle Giant

Although it is very widely observed that 'soft power' originates in the civil society, China seems to be taking an unusual route of upgrading its soft power despite the civil society being entangled by state-run institutions and press. So much so that Hong Kong itself isn't finding many takers on identifying oneself as Chinese, one survey by the University of Hong Kong reports.

-The Times of India, February 17, 2012  

The year of the princeling

"As China's Vice-President and heir apparent Xi Jinping heads to Washington this week, the country's attention is trained on a new generation of emerging leaders who are reshaping the political landscape."

The Hindu : Opinion / Op-Ed : The year of the princeling

Crouching Dragon, Hidden Tiger

India should use Taiwan's help to break into the Sinosphere

Crouching Dragon, Hidden Tiger

-The Times of India, January 30, 2012

India's 'Look East' policy, which has so far ignored Taiwan, has to start setting its eyes on Taipei. This will help India break into the Sinosphere, "which could soon be (or has already become) the second most important cultural zone after the Anglosphere."

"Taiwan is a friendly country that can not only help India fulfil some of its domestic economic objectives, but also strategic goals vis-a-vis China."

The author, Mr. Ganguly, suggests that "New Delhi could sign a free trade deal with Taipei and invite it to help set up an industrial corridor between, say, Delhi and Kolkata (just as the Japanese are facilitating the Delhi-Mumbai industrial corridor)."

Such a partnership will suit the Taiwanese since they will, hence, not find "all their eggs in the Chinese basket."

"It is time to move towards a more robust partnership."

More Than A Tactical Shift?

More Than A Tactical Shift?

"The recent visit by China's Supreme Councillor and special representative Dai Bingguo for the 15th round of border talks was marked by uncharacteristic bonhomie."

Nayan Chanda suggests a shift in the attitude - moving towards 'fence-mending' - initiated by China during the recent border talks. The shift is elaborately discussed. 

'At a time of swift growth, China isn't inclined to conflict'

Q&A


Since their stormy separation in 1949, Taiwan has resisted Chin'a stated goal of taking over the small island state. Former member of Taiwan's National Assembly, professor Tang Shaocheng discussed  with TOI about China's dramatic rise, Taiwan's recent presidential elections and why the new regime's policy of engagement seems to work


Interview - Q&A

-The Times of India, January 20, 2012

Trouble At The Crease

When it comes to reviving Indian cricket, business as usual will no longer serve


Trouble At The Crease

-The Times of India, January 11, 2012

Personal Review: The author calls for measures within the team, as well as in the team management and the board. He expresses the reputation of a "bully" that BCCI has acquired, and exposes the gap in sporting accomplishment with respect to China. 

'Instability in N Korea will send shock waves throughout the region'

Q&A 

with Stephen Bosworth, former envoy for North Korean policy and currently dean of the Fletcher School at Tufts University

Interview - Q&A

-The Times of India, December 21, 2011