Rethinking China's might by Minxin Pei my Comments

Minxin Pei’s article in the Washington Post was carried by the Hindustan Times on January 29, 2012. “Rethinking China’s Might” makes interesting reading. The thrust of his article is that the rise of China is exaggerated in relation to the rise of China as a threat to the US. He argues that instead of marginalising American influence Chinese attitudes are pushing Asian countries closer to Washington, elevating America’s status. Spoken in the US-China context and keeping in mind limitations of Chinese financial and military power in relation to the US this may be acceptable. It is true that China is still far behind the US in many aspects and its financial and economic clout are double edged swords. The two are locked in a Double Nelson.

In India we should weigh this in our context and how China’s continued rise economically and militarily at a time we seem to floundering or its recent attitude towards some of its neighbours, will affect us. First we should be realistic about catching up with China. Statistics and calculations about economic performance and other aspects of human development do not give that hope. Unless of course we believe in the theme that one day China will collapse under its own weight.
The reference that China’s flexing of muscles has made the US more relevant in Asia is partially valid. Countries of the Asia Pacific are merely seeking an insurance knowing that they cannot change geography and knowing that the US has not been a thumping success in Vietnam, Iraq and Afghanistan. Ultimately, all states realise that they cannot ignore China. Nor can we.

It is nice to look good in the neighbourhood. This is what we believe in. Not o with the Chinese. They are more inclined to put their belief in the dictum that in international politics it is better to be respected, even feared rather that loved.