5. India-PRC Relations: Missile Defense
An editorial in the Times of India argues that India's statement of support for the US missile defense program is similar to its nuclearization program in that it supports the National Missile Defense system without fully analyzing what it means for India. The editorial argues that more must be done to secure stronger a US-India relationship, but India has also failed to decide what concrete developments it wants out of the relationship.
"Much Ado over NMD"
Pakistan's The News quoted a report in The Statesman which attributed to PRC Ambassador to India Zhou Gang a warning to India that it may have too hastily expressed support for the US National Missile Defense (NMD) program without first analyzing it. Zhou said, "We oppose it because it promotes strategic imbalances." The News also reported that two days after supporting US President Bush's speech, Indian External Affairs Minister Jaswant Singh warned, at a press conference with Russian Foreign Minister Igor Ivanov, that the US should not disturb existing arms control mechanisms.
"China cautions India over NMD plan"
Indian External Affairs Minister Jaswant Singh and PRC politburo member Li Changchun held talks on the US missile defense proposal, with both stating afterwards that there were more commonalities than differences. However, the Times of India notes that the two countries did not discuss contentious issues in their bilateral relations, such as the border dispute and PRC aid to Pakistan's weapons programs. An External Affairs Ministry spokesman stated that dismissed as "simplistic" arguments that the PRC was compensating India through talks with Li for leaving India off PRC Premier Zhu Rongi's tour of South Asia, especially as Li Peng had visited only India in January.
"India, China discuss Bush's missile shield"
PRC Ambassador to India Zhou Gang reiterated that his country is opposed to the US missile defense plan. He said, "We oppose it because it promotes strategic imbalance, hegemonism and domination of world politics."
"China opposed to Bush's NMD, says envoy"
"`India, China must clear misunderstandings'"