In diplomacy, ganging up is a very risky move

• Source: Global Times
• [08:08 November 25 2009]
• Comments

Many Chinese are antipathic to a closer India-US relationship, especially when the two countries attempt to ally against China. But we should not underestimate India's foreign policy independence, since India will not be willing to merely be a sidekick to the US.

In addition, Chinese should not forget that India gave China a helping hand when China was threatened by SARS in 2003, and that at the UN Security Council in 1999, India supported China in condemning the US-led NATO bombing of the Chinese Embassy in Yugoslavia.

The relations among China, the US and India seem complicated, but this does not necessarily have to be the case. The three nations can complement one another.

It's normal that countries compete with each other, but the point is that it should be benign competition. If the US really needs to cooperate with India to develop civil nuclear energy, it should be under the motive of improving current nonproliferation institutions, not seeking an advantage over China.

China and the US also have civil nuclear cooperation, but it is in line with existing international norms. China welcomes an improving China-US relationship, in which the two sides feel proud of each other's achievements, and are willing to think about the other's security interests. We also hope India can be excited by, rather than feeling pressure about, an improving and stable China-US relationship.

Meanwhile, China should relax about Singh's visit to the US. Good India-US relations are conducive not only to both countries, but also to the world peace.

As long as China adheres to peaceful development with other countries, it will be able to create an ideal situation where everyone wins.

The author is professor and executive dean of the Institute of International Studies and director.of Center for American Studies at Fudan University. dlshen@fudan.ac.cn