Congress slams Modi govt over meeting Chinese President Xi Jinping

The Congress party on Sunday criticised Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping, questioning whether the government’s push for reconciliation with China is tantamount to legitimising its territorial aggression. Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh expressed his concerns on social media, highlighting the context of the meeting.

The meeting between PM Modi and President Xi on Sunday took place on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit in Tianjin, China. During the meeting, PM Modi emphasised the importance of mutual cooperation for the welfare of 2.8 billion people in both countries. However, Jairam Ramesh argued that this meeting should be evaluated in the context of China’s aggression in the Galwan Valley in 2020, which resulted in the loss of 20 Indian soldiers’ lives.

Advertisement

Jairam Ramesh pointed out several concerns regarding the ”Modi government’s approach to China, including the government’s response to China’s aggression in Ladakh and Arunachal Pradesh has been inadequate, with the Army Chief demanding a full restoration of the status quo on the border.”

Questioning what he said, acceptance of the China-Pakistan alliance, Ramesh said that the Modi government has quietly accepted China’s alliance with Pakistan, known as “jugalbandi,” and is now rewarding China with state visits.

He also alleged that the government has not spoken out against China’s gigantic hydel project on the Yarlung Tsangpo, which has grave implications for India’s Northeast.

Ramesh further expressed concern about “uncontrolled dumping of imports from China”, which he said continues to devastate Indian MSMEs, with the government allowing Chinese importers to operate with relative freedom.

Ramesh questioned whether the “new normal” in India-China relations would be defined by Chinese aggression and bullying, and the government’s ‘spinelessness’ in responding to these issues. “Is the ‘new normal’ to be defined by Chinese aggression and bullying and our Government’s spinelessness,” he asked.