New Delhi: In a clear message that China is sticking to its stand opposing India’s entry into the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG) and defending it as “morally legitimate”, a Chinese state-run daily on Tuesday taunted India, saying the West has “spoilt” the country, making it a “bit smug” in international affairs.
In a hard-hitting editorial, the Global Times said it was rules, and not China, that prevented India from becoming a member of the 48-nation elite nuclear trading body. It said at least 10 countries, including China, have opposed the accession of non-signatories to the nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) to the NSG. On India joining the Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR), it said the MTCR has absorbed India as a new member, but denied China access.
“But the news didn’t even make a ripple among the Chinese public. The Chinese have become more mature in dealing with these setbacks caused by international relations,” the daily said, an indication that New Delhi’s MTCR entry has stung the Chinese.
“India is not a signatory to the NPT but is the most active applicant to join the NSG. Before the Seoul meeting, the Indian media played up the prospects of its bid. Some even claimed that among the 48 members of the NSG, 47 have given it a green light, except China,” the editorial, titled ‘Delhi’s NSG bid upset by rules, not Beijing’, the editorial was quoted by agency reports from Beijing as saying.
China: West giving too many thumbs up to India
“...India wants to be the first exception to join the NSG without signing the NPT. It is morally legitimate for China and other members to upset India’s proposal in defence of principles,” said the tabloid, part of the ruling Communist Party of China’s publications. The daily, known for its nationalistic postures, said India is emerging as the “golden boy” of the West.
“Recent years have seen the Western world giving too many thumbs up to India, but thumbs down to China. India is spoiled. Although the South Asian country’s GDP accounts for only 20 per cent of that of China, it is still a golden boy in the eyes of the West, having a competitive edge,” it said.
