Chinese assertiveness in disputes disconcerting

Narayanan added that potential for a conflict also exists as competition between India and China for new energy sources intensify. To some extent,China and India are destined by geography to be rivals: neighbours with large populations,old civilisations,rich and venerable cultures,and disputes with regard to their borders, Narayanan,who is also a former chief of the Intelligence Bureau,said in his keynote address at the annual Australia India Institute conference on India here. The two countries are,nevertheless,far apart civilisationally and in their makeup, he said,adding that elected accountability in India is an important point of difference.

Addressing the large gathering,Narayanan said strategic rivalries were on the rise in Asia. Most analysts see the main rivalry in Asia as being between India and China though both countries disclaim the existence of such rivalry,he said.

Chinese scholars appear unable to comprehend the true nature of Indias ethnic,religious,ideological and economic makeup,Narayanan said. The strident claims made by Chinese academics and strategic thinkers for Chinese exceptionalism hardly helps,he said.

Narayanan,who has been involved in negotiations to resolve boundary disputes with China,said that the most disconcerting fact about Beijing today was that as Chinas economic muscle expands,its assertiveness in dealing with disputes,whether on land or sea,was also increasing.

Chinas activities in Pakistan Occupied Kashmir are very troubling for India. Its not-so-subtle wooing of some of Indias neighbours to Indias detriment is a cause of concern. The Chinese policy of building advantageous power relationships on Indias periphery and beyond,is forcing India to sit up and take notice,Narayanan said. Potential for a conflict also exists as competition for new energy sources intensifies,with China moving aggressively into West Asia and elsewhere.