Playing down the concerns expressed in India over China’s growing economic ties with Nepal, the Chinese media on Wednesday said that Beijing’s deals with regional countries are “for the good of the entire region”.
An article in the state-run Global Times pointed out that China has repeatedly said it has no intention of challenging India’s dominant status in South Asia.
The article titled “India should join hands with China for regional prosperity” added that the cross-Himalaya connectivity network will pave way for emergence of an economic corridor linking China, Nepal and India.
“China has reiterated that it has no intention of challenging India’s dominant status in South Asia. Deals that Beijing inked with regional countries are for the good of the entire region. For instance, the cross-Himalaya connectivity network is expected to create conditions for an economic corridor linking China, Nepal and India, and contribute to the prosperity of the whole region,” the article said.
The article said that China has been developing ties with South Asian countries, including India, with an objective of “common development”.
Referring to China’s Belt and Road initiative, the article said that its ultimate purpose is to bring development and prosperity to the whole region.
Pointing out that the B&R initiative has been appreciated by countries like Pakistan and China, the article urged India to join hands with China for common development and prosperity of South Asia.
“As a major power in South Asia, India should join hands with China for common development, which will be of particular significance for South Asia’s prosperity. As neighbors connected by the same rivers and mountains, China, Nepal and India are natural friends,” it added.
