Wednesday, October 30, 2019

Amid reports of 'breakthrough', jubilation, MHA says Assam, Manipur, Arunachal have to be consulted

New Delhi, Oct 31  Even as an atmosphere of happiness and merrymaking spread across Nagaland and parts of Manipur on Thursday evening following news about a 'breakthrough' in the over two-decade old peace parleys between the centre and Naga militants , the Home Ministry on Thursday said talks had not yet concluded and that no credence should be given to such reports and rumours".

Late on Thursday evening, Union Home Ministry issued a statement stating that talks have not yet concluded and that "no credence should be given to such reports and rumours".“It is clarified that before any settlement is arrived at with Naga groups, all stakeholders including states of Assam, Manipur and Arunachal Pradesh will be duly consulted and their concerns will be taken into consideration," the statement said.


The MHA clarifications came in response to reports of a 'breakthrough ' in the talks. 


Nagaland Governor R N Ravi, who was appointed interlocutor in peace parleys in 2014, said the NSCN (IM) has "come on board". The NSCN (IM), once considered most potent armed group in northeast, had joined the peace talks in 1997 during the stint of I K Gujral as Prime Minister.      

The group had been raising demands for a separate flag and constitution for the Nagas which the government interlocutors could not agree.

Sources explained that modalities for inking the Final Agreement will be worked once Prime Minister takes cognizance of the report from Governor Ravi, a former IB official and a longtime Nagaland watcher.

"The draft agreement will be worked out after consultation with state governments of Manipur, Assam and Arunachal Pradesh," the source said adding this has become necessary especially after protest in Manipur.

It is not yet clear whether the new Naga peace pact will be inked before Prime Minister Modi's visit to Thailand on November 2.

Normal life was affected in several parts of BJP-led alliance ruled Manipur following "cease-work" protest launched by various social groups with their demand that the state's territorial integrity and administrative should not be disturbed

.There is a lot of 'ethnic' issues involved in the entire process in northeast.

A leader of Kuki Women Association said in Imphal, "We welcome peace but it should not infringe into the rights of other communities".

Tangkhul Nagas have dominating presence in Ukhrul and some hill pockets in Manipur and the community has often had differences and violent clashes with the nomadic tribe Kukis. Nagaland government has canceled leave of all police personnel and in Manipur, the administrations have been urged to ensure that prices of essential commodities are not allowed to shoot up in view of tense situations.

In the evening hours as the news of fourth meeting between Mr Ravi and NSCN (IM) leader Thuingaleng Muivah and others in three days ending on 'positive' spread, senior state politicians tweeted hailing the feat. Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio (NNDP), Deputy Chief Minister Y Patton (of BJP) and T R Zeliang (NPF and Leader of the Opposition) congratulated Prime Minister Narendra Modi for showing the "resoluteness" to solve the Naga Issue.

In a series of tweets, Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio said: "It is a historic moment and an occasion of great joy for all Nagas and the nation as a whole".

"We extend our deepest appreciation to the negotiating parties of the peace talks for making the historic breakthrough. Thank you PM Narendra Modi and Amit Shah for the political will and concern for the Naga people".

Deputy Chief Minister and BJP leader Y Patton tweeted: "I am elated and grateful to everyone for what we have  achieved today after all the trying times. The inking of the solution, that respects our unique history, will bring a new and better dawn for the Indo-Naga future".
The National Unity Day could not have been more special, he said in reference to birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel.
He also complimented Rajnath Singh, former Home Minister and incumbent Defence Minister, for his contribution.

Mr Zeliang of NPF said: "The dream and desire of the Naga people for permanent peace and tranquility in our land will soon become a reality after positive outcome of today's meeting".
Naga CM Rio: Man and his Destiny

Thursday, October 24, 2019

Pawar keeps NCP relevant; Sena proves its worth


New Delhi, Oct 24  For long, Sharad Pawar nursed a dream to be Prime Minister of India.


Often flattered as the Maratha strongman, Mr Pawar faced a major challenge this time as in the run-up to the 2019 polls, several of his lieutenants switched loyalties to the Bharatiya Janata Party or Shiv Sena.


Some Indian National Congress leaders had even mocked at Nationalist Congress Party's poll prospects, asserting that Mr Pawar's outfit would be compelled to merge with it. There were also corruption charges against him and his nephew Ajit Pawar. But when it came to poll management, the 79-year-old patriarch has yet again proved his mettle.


Another important takeaway from the Maharashtra polls this year is the manner Shiv Sena was able to put up a spirited fight and has perhaps enhanced its bargaining power vis-a-vis BJP.
Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray hinted that all may not be so well with its longtime partner.
"We have been accommodating during the Lok Sabha elections. But I can't keep doing that anymore. I have to make sure my party flourishes," he said tongue-in-cheek.
In the ultimate analysis, NCP is now set to win at least 56 assembly seats from the 123 it contested at an average strike rate of 43.5 per cent.
The INC, having contested as many as 145 seats, would win around 46 at a strike rate of 31.7 per cent.
The prestigious post of Leader of the Opposition in state Assembly would come to NCP now and also importantly, it's tally is not far behind Shiv Sena - which is likely to win 57 seats out of 124 it contested.

It is true, Sharad Pawar came 'closest' to the position of Prime Minister's Office in 1991 after the INC emerged as single largest party in the wake of a sympathy wave post-Rajv Gandhi assassination .
Much to the credit of Mr Pawar, the INC returned an overwhelming about two dozen MPs from his state but the party decided to settle for a near-retired P V Narasimha Rao and Pawar had to be contented as his Defence Minister.
Acidly, Rao later shunted him back to the Mantralaya in Mumbai making him again as the Chief Minister.

In the run up to the state assembly polls, the detractors and even a section of INC leaders, including Sushilkumar Shinde, sought to mock at NCP's poll prospects, asserting Sharad Pawar's outfit could be compelled to merge with it.Such a prospect now looks remote.

As many as seven sitting ministers - Pankaja Munde, Ram Shinde, Madan Yerawar, Arjun Khotkar, Vijay Shivtare, Bala Bhegde and Anil Bonde have been defeated.  

However, the mild-mannered Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis displayed his Kautilya-variety of shrewdness.

The second Brahmin Chief Minister of the state claimed that 15 rebels are in touch him and that the BJP's tally may go up. Obviously, such remarks are only seen as an attempt to counter ally Shiv Sena’s bargaining power.


Mah, Haryana mandate sends wake-up call to BJP


New Delhi, Oct 24 The 'party with a difference'-committed to the developmental card - 'Sabka Saath Sabka Vikas' - the slogans given by the BJP seem to have eroded with prolonged agarian distress, mounting unemployment and people's anguish due to stagnant rural and urban income reflected in the poll outcome in Maharashtra and Haryana on Thursday.

Irrespective of whether Bharatiya Janata Party-Shiv Sena returns to power in Maharashtra or the BJP, which has emerged the single largest party in the Haryana Assembly, can manage turncoats to touch the magical 45 figure - the big worries now also include whether Government will go in for  'populist' game plans.

Certainly, the verdict would be seen as an endorsement of the Modi government’s bold measures in Jammu and Kashmir in a way but there are also questions on what next for reforms.
The mandate in Haryana and Maharashtra suggests in more ways than one that agrarian distress and economic slowdown especially in Vidharbha region in Maharashtra have clearly harmed the prospects of the BJP-Shiv Sena alliance in the western state.
The message from the commercial hub of the country and Haryana also show the undercurrent of distress vis-a-vis joblessness and economic slowdown have left its impact.
In general sense, while the opposition parties had highlighted issues concerning joblessness and economic slowdown, the BJP leaders largely depended on nationalistic agenda.

The fact that BJP's 'muscular' policy towards Pakistan did not cut much ice with the voters in Haryana - which sends one member out of three to the nation's armed forces - makes it clear that the slowdown has had its impact.Economists aver that consumption growth in rural India has fallen to a seven-year low in July-September and  is lagging in urban regions as well.Even Shiv Sena leader Anil Desai admitted that economic slowdown has affected the poll outcome though the Thackeray family-led outfit has improved its overall tally.The BJP, which won 122 seats in 2014, may end up with only around 100 this time.


Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Rawat, however, said: "The alliance with BJP will continue". But at least two Sena leaders sought to keep everyone guessing.
When asked whether Sena will tie up with Nationalist Congress Party if Aditya Thackeray is 'offered' chief Ministership, they maintained nothing can be ruled out in politics.

BJP spokesman Sambit Patra, as expected, strongly ruled out such a possibility.        

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis had said that putting a check on farmers' suicide would be main challenge for his government. But 15,000 farmers have committed suicide in Maharashtra between 2013 and 2018, RTI data revealed. What certainly went against BJP and Mr Fadnavis is that out of the total 15,356 farmer suicides during the six-year period, 396 cases were reported between January 1 to February 28, this year.
The government has provided ex-gratia to 102 families out of 396 suicide cases.

"Honestly, there is slowdown globally. The government of India cannot work in isolation," BJP leader Syed Zafar Islam said and maintained that necessary steps are already being taken and their impact will be seen sooner than later.

Another BJP leader Sudhanshu Trivedi said, the "decimation" of Mayawati-led Bahujan Samaj Party in Maharashtra might have also gone against the interest of his party.

"There can be also due to economic slowdown....which is happening globally," he said adding "assigning any single reason which can be called a wake up call is too much to interpret".

In Haryana, BJP was able to retain the position of single largest party in a state -where it gave a non-Jat Chief Minister for last five years; but its final tally is falling short of half-way 45 seats mark.

The trends of the vote count on Thursday indicate that the ruling BJP's hardliner nationalistic agenda vis-a-vis Article 370 did not help much in rural areas both in Maharashtra and Haryana.
In rural Haryana, the saffron party seemed to have lost ground in as many as 16 constituencies.
According to trends, the Indian National Congress seemed to have taken leads in at least 24 assembly seats in rural Haryana and 32 in total in the 90-member House.
Nascent Jannayak Janata Party of Dushyant Chautala has emerged a key player and may even get the chance to play 'king maker'.

A jubilant Dushyant Chautala, a former MP, could not conceal his glee and said: "Till the other day, everyone dismissed us as 'baccha' (kid's) party. But most giants from the rival parties have been humbled by our candidates."
With JJP already beginning to get feelers from both the BJP and the INC, Dushyant said, "I can say for sure, in Haryana the vote is for change."


Modi credits Khattar, Fadnavis for BJP win

New Delhi, Oct 24 Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday said BJP's performance in Maharashtra and Haryana was unique and miraculous as both the states offer major challenges politically and in terms of governance.


''Our Chief Minister was new, the team was also new and despite this the ability to return to power after five years is commendable,'' Mr Modi said addressing party workers at BJP headquarters here.


He said it goes to the credit of leadership of Manohar Lal Khattar that the party could brave the major hurdles of incumbency.


In reference to criticism made in media and by political detractors, the Prime Minister said to emerge as the single largest party, is also no mean achievement.


In the context of Maharashtra, the Prime Minister said the BJP has always played second fiddle to Shiv Sena and even when the alliance was in power, the government was headed by Sena only.


''There is a special feature about Maharashtra politics. You will be surprised to know that in last 50 years, no chief minister before Devendra Fadnavis survived for five years at a stretch. It was for the first time that Fadnavis could serve the state continuously for five years,'' the Prime Minister said amid applause from the gathering which included among others BJP president Amit Shah and senior ministers Rajnath Singh and Nitin Gadkari.


Mr Modi said it is imperative that a chief minister rules for five years which gives stability to the state, that is economic hub of the country.

''In such a state, political stability makes a lot of difference,'' he said.

The Prime Minister also said in Haryana, party's voteshare increased by 3 per cent to 36 per cent.


Earlier, setting the tone, Mr Shah sought to dispel notion rather strongly that the party's performance was not upto the mark in the two states.


Notwithstanding minor reverses, he termed the outcome of the polls as 'victory' for the party.  

"In Modi-2, the first two elections have gone in favour of the BJP," party chief said.
Mr Shah pointed out that prior to 2014, the BJP never had Chief Ministers in these two states.


Despite minor setbacks, Amit Shah credits party workers and two CMs for electoral win


New Delhi, Oct 24 (UNI) Notwithstanding minor reverses in Maharashtra and Haryana polls, the ruling BJP on Thursday termed the outcome of the polls as 'victory' for the party.

"In Modi-2, the first two elections have gone in favour of the BJP," party chief Amit Shah said addressing party workers at the BJP headquarters here.

Mr Shah pointed out that prior to 2014, the BJP never had Chief Ministers in these two states.

But now in these two states, the saffron party ruled for five years and in both the states, the party and party-led alliance governments have returned to power yet again, he said.

"Dono jagah BJP ki jeet hui hae (In both the states, we have won)," he said adding Prime Minister
Narendra Modi deserves credit for the party victory.

On his arrival at the party headquarters, a beaming Prime Minister Modi signaled 'V' with his fingers and waved hands enthusiastically towards the party workers. 

He also said the victories reflect the success of two Chief Ministers Manohar Lal Khattar and Devendra Fadnavis.


Sunday, October 20, 2019

First Person Missive: When it has to work, it works so well in China


‘Sorry the system is not working....’ --- well this is not in India.

The Phoenix Post: Portblair

And of course it happened with a group of Indian journalists on board MU 564 in between Shanghai and Beijing. The entertainment system on the flight was not working. So theme of the story remains such lapses...happen not only in India.
This can happen in China too - a communist regime where everything is expected to be organised, planned and executed well – if not perfect.

This was dated August, 24 2019. The Indian journalists were on a weeklong 'media delegation' visit of China for interactions with officials from ministries such as Water Resources and a Chinese think tank working with Tibetans.
So, is there a lot of similarities between people of two Asian giants? 
When we just landed in China, we are yet to confirm these.
Five out of six journalists travelling to China on this trip were making first visit to the land of Dragons. 

Of course as expected...food was an issue; more for my colleagues who believe in vege! At Shanghai Pudong airport as the connective flight was delayed, the complimentary food packet was unpalatable.

Most of us just took few spoons of corn boiled and that too with chop sticks. Struggles !
Imagine the tough time - ...we passed through.

One colleague was caustic when she said: “And everyone back home thinking, I am having all fun”.

The excitement had just begun and we were looking forward for more fun and thrill.

Like every coin - each venture too has two sides or more than that.

But all in all – the China sojourn was educative more for a scribe with hunger about ‘curiosity’.

In short – people are friendly despite the language being a major weakness. Chinese are also hardworking and no doubt that’s how today they are Asia’s anchor economy, which provides a connectivity and innovation platform to its neighbours.
In 2013-17, the country accounted for 35 per cent of Asia’s total outward FDI, with about one-quarter of that investment going to other Asian economies. Reflecting its rapidly growing innovation capacity, China also accounts for 44 per cent of the world’s patent applications in 2017.
As I ponder after a month to write a piece – another striking feature that drew my attention has been that the Chinese have laws and practices that would combine together to help their national growth.

Nehru and Me, Blogger


Huang Canbin, chief economist with Guangxi Poverty Allleviation and Development office at Nanning said: "The fact that land belongs to the state in China has helped undertake the poverty alleviation programme at a massive scale”.

One cannot agree more ! This is more relevant for a Bengali as ‘opposing’ development and playing Singur and Nandigram made Marxists in my state see blues and we heralded a new era of ‘populism’ politics.

Well, the result is there for us to look back.


Nevertheless in Chinese context again, Chinese officials said - A right synthesis of multi-pronged approach including Partnership Assistance Model, selective shift from agro to non-agro sector jobs and fund raising involving community and private players have helped bring in revolutionary changes in socio-economic scene.
The Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region or for that matter Shenzhen city were much underdeveloped but things have changed.


"In our country, poverty is not only decided by incomes; even as someone has reasonable income but no house, he may be considered poor. If someone has health issues, similarly his family may be identified as below poverty and thus state would be responsible to help him," says Huang Canbin.

Guangxi has 14 municipal cities with Nanning as the capital city of the autonomous region  houses 12 ethnic groups, including Zhuang ethnic minority group making about 32 per cent of the total population.


Other ethnic groups include Yao, Miao, Han, Jing, Dong and Mulao.

Another official said, "While the fundamental status of agriculture is constantly enhanced; industrialisation process has been accelerated too."

Nanning with about 7 million population has emerged as an important industrial and business hub for China also largely blessed with tax incentives.

Since 2004, officials say China-ASEAN Expo has been held in Nanning annually with the city also serving as a key link for China-ASEAN Free Trade Area.

Officials say over six lakh people were taken out of non-productive agro related jobs and put in sectors like poultry farming, fishing and piggery --- which were more viable from marketing and in general economic point of view.

Self Confidence : Also faith in western companies


In the season of trade disputes, according to industry watchers in the country’s capital Beijing and in booming business hubs like Shenzhen; the ongoing crisis has not dampened the spirit of the foreign companies operating in China.
The confidence in the ‘bright future’ of Chinese economy is also guided by China’s decision to establish six new pilot free trade zones.
“It is a good move and also a courageous one. The new free trade zones are coming up in Yunnan, Hebei, Shandong, Guangxi Zhuang, Jiangsu and Heilongjiang. It shows the Chinese government wants to support an opening world economy. This will promote cross border trades, investment cooperation and promote trades in commodities,” says business woman Chen-Lanying in Nanning.

The optimism is shared by business community and entrepreneurs in Shenzhen too.One businessman on the condition of anonymity said: “China has come out of its closed economy in a big way. Now, we are part of inter-dependent world. Even hardcore Communists realise this. Thus by deepening reforms in free trade zones and streamlining regulations on foreign investment, the Chinese government has given strong and positive signals to foreign companies.”

Some also say contrary to the aggressiveness shown by the US on trade ties with China, it is the American retail sector that is going to feel the pinch of the new tariff regimes.Some US retail players have over 12000 stores including in interiors of America – and these companies could face immense hurdles in pushing their business without Chinese suppliers.
Moreover, among both the Chinese business community and the government, another driving point is the fact that the US consumers in particular and customers in the western countries in general are very particular about product quality and China has the 'reputation' of sending good products overseas.

It is being analysed in details among industry players in Beijing and Shenzhen that US President Donald Trump’s ‘threat’ to levy a 10-per cent additional tariff on shoes, clothing and other items is likely to hit US business only.


"In fact, Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Geng Shuang told journalists on August 27 during our presence in the briefing room that that ‘threats and intimidation’ do not work with China.  He said if the US companies withdraw from China; “others will fill in the vacancy”.

Ends


'India Garden pavilion' attracting Chinese admirers of Indian culture and heritage


Beijing, Aug 25 The rich horticulture strength of China is in display in a spacious exhibition centre in Beijing for last four months portraying the consummate traditional techniques and the future of this art form.

As part of the mega show which would continue till October, a unique Heritage pavilion is thrown open for the admirers of Indian tradition and culture.
The name of the pavilion 'India Garden -Samras, Harmony With Nature' is also in tune with the demand of the time and yet fitting into the traditional legacy.

In fact there are pavilions of about 100 countries including the likes of Afghanistan, Pakistan, Nepal and Palestine.

"The art of Chinese flower arrangements and culture enjoys an illustrious history and continues to enthrall horticulture lovers across the world. This exhibition displays consummate traditional techniques, modern artistry and the future of this art form," says Y L Zhou, a function art associated in the extravaganza of flowers, art and heritage.

Sanjeev Chopra, General Manager with the Heritage Art House of New Delhi shows the Chinese people and also an overwhelming number of foreign tourists from across the world, a taste of rich Indian tradition and culture.

In order to give respect to the local sentiment, the Indian pavilion has large replica of Sanchi Stupa gate and also a statue of Lord Gautam Buddha.

Delhi-based Mehndiwala Amar Singh is seen doing brisk business as people and admirers of Indian tradition including males take keen interest to have Mehdi designs drawn on their arms and palms.

"However, our expectations were bigger," Chopra told UNI. Although the pavilion is witnessing a decent reception, yet, he maintained that a large number of people, especially local Chinese would have thronged the Indian pavilion, had the venue been within the Beijing city vicinity. There is no subway train or city buses connecting the venue with the main city, he complained.

The business and enthusiasm is not much in Pakistani pavilion.

However, in the Afghan pavillion, Anwar Rahimi of Rahimi Group from Kabul said there has been substantial demand for Afghanistani stones like 'pannas'. There have been also good sale of  carpets and high quality Afghani carpets can be easily sold at 200 US Dollars per metre.

A group of Indian journalists are on tour to China under the aegis of Chinese Foreign ministry and Chinese embassy in Delhi.

The group was taken for site seeing at the marvelous Great Wall of China - one of the seven wonders of the world. Winding for several kilometres in the outskirts of Beijing, the historic Great Wall of China is perhaps the only man-made structure which could be seen from space.


India should be reassured, no activities on dams happening in Tibet, says China

Beijing, Aug 27 China has assured India that it will not do anything vis-a-vis constructions of dams in Tibetan and other regions that could adversely impact in terms of floods and related natural calamities in India.
"Our Indian friends be rest assured ....so far the water consumption in Tibetan region is concerned, the outbound water is clean and moreover whatever is happening in Tibet is for socio economic development and for consumption of people," Dr YU Xingjun, Consultant at Department of
International Cooperation,  Science and Technology, told a group of visiting Indian journalists here.


He sought to clarify that making use of water in Tibetan region is not necessarily for any other reason  but for mere survival of the Tibetan people who are living in much hardships and under development conditions.
"The Chinese side has always maintained a responsible attitude to the hydro power development," he emphasised adding whatever development is happening with regards power projects in such areas is strictly for 'socio economic' development of the Tibetan people.
Dr Xingjun also said conditions of local inhabitants in Tibet are really precarious.
"I have been to such areas in Tibet many times and the conditions there are beyond imagination," he said.
Mr Xingjun was asked what is China doing to dispel apprehension of India especially with regard dam building areas in some rivers who flow down to India and could have adverse impact.
A group of Indian journalists are on tour of China as part of a programme organised by the Chinese embassy in India and the Chinese foreign ministry.
Dr Xingjun said that both India and China have over the years carried out fruitful cooperation in hydrological information and emergency and disaster handling.
To a question, he further went onto say that ".... proceeding  from the overall situation of China-India relations and the spirit of humanitarianism, China has overcame enormous difficulties but did provide India with hydrological data of trans-border rivers in flood seasons".
This "fruitful cooperation" has made positive contributions to a closer development partnership between China and India.
He also said the hydrological data in flood seasons provided by China has helped India to ensure safety of people in coastal areas.

Answering questions, he said China is facing four main challenges in water management related matters.
These are floods or water related disasters, water scarcity, water-environment pollution and water ecology.
In this context, Dr Xingjun said in order to meet the challenges, the Chinese government is taking a multi-pronged measures.
He said, China has also decided to lay emphasis on 'saving water'.
"Rather than taking up grand development, we will adopt grand protection of water," he underlined.
Therefore, in many places projects are coming for water diversion from water rich areas to water scarcity areas, he said.

Tibetans at crossroads: Should Dalai Lama give up 'freedom movement' ?


Beijing, Aug 28 Tibetan culture and people are definitely part of 'bigger Chinese culture' and the 'freedom movement' must be given up, pro-Chinese two youth Tibetan leaders have said here.
"First, the Tibetan people are all part of bigger Tibetan culture," said La Xian Jia, Deputy Director with Institute of Tibetan Religious Studies.

"And I think everyone share my views in China. The  Chinese culture and policy on Tibet people and religion has been consistent," he told a group of visiting Indian journalists here.

Answering questions during an interaction in presence of a handful of pro-Chinese Tibetan leaders, he further said: "The Spiritual leader the  Dalai Lama should give the Freedom Movement."
In order to strengthen his argument, the young leader said," In fact, the Tibetan culture is well protected by law."
The visiting journalist from India are on a week-long tour of China beginning from August 24 and reached Nanning in southern part of China on Tuesday.
The Chinese officials are expected to brief them on Wednesday on mega and unique poverty alleviation programme in Nanning on Wednesday.
Nanning- also called Green City of China-falls under Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region.
Meanwhile, answering questions, Xian Jia also said, "Some accusations'' made in the western media that the Chinese government is against Tibetan culture and pursuing high handed policy is "unfounded".
He also argued rather strongly that his own family members and relatives residing in Tibet are "protecting" their religious and cultural freedom without any fear or apprehension.

On India's role in the entire Tibetan issue and the Dalai Lama moving into India in 1960s; he said, "It is true the Dalai Lama was very active in pursuing freedom movement for Tibet. I only hope he gives up his actions on the freedom movement."
"After he left for India; development of Tibet has been remarkable," he added.

Sharing similar views, another youth Tibetan leader and a researcher with the Institute of Tibetan Contemporary Studies C Xiao Jie said, "There are differences between India and China on the Tibetan issue."But he argued, the Dalai Lama has never said he is 'not a Chinese' and thus he also went onto say, "I also hope India's government will also give up supporting Dalai Lama as a leader of a freedom movement."

Indian scribes travel in high speed train from Nanningdong to Shenzhen
Shenzhen (China), Aug 29 (UNI) The visiting journalists from India and Nepal, who are on a week long tour to China, were on Thursday taken for a ride on high speed bullet train from Nanningdon to Shenzhen township.

Traveling on high speed of around 350 kmph, the journey took about four hours and passed through important stations including Guangzhounan and Humen.

Despite the language barrier several commuters and staff showed keen interest to interact with Indian and Nepali scribes on board.


"I am a frequent traveler on this route and I use high speed trains only. The high speed trains have changed the face of commuting within China," said one female medico but maintained as her 'government company' would not appreciate her for talking to media hence she need not be identified.
Six Indian journalists and three from Nepal including one from UNI, who are on a week long tour of China beginning August 24, reached Shenzhen here on Thursday.

The tour has been organised by the Chinese foreign ministry and the Chinese embassy in Delhi.
Sources said that the high speed trains have proved immensely successful and altogether as much as 312 railway stations have facilities to operate bullet trains in China.

Several commuters said they knew of Prime Minister Narendra Modi but "heard" Mr Modi did not speak to Chinese president Xi Jinping after terrorist attack earlier this year.

While such information is half baked and half-truth based specially from reading in local Chinese tabloids, a section of local people knew well of fresh developments in Sino-India relations and that two leaders PM Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping were 'great friends'.

This school of thought remains optimistic that big break through may be made during PM Modi and President Xi Jinping talks in India soon.

One commuter was, however, not aware that India did not have high speed trains yet and said if the Government of India desired, the Chinese establishment would certainly provide advice and technical support for launch of bullet trains in India.

They also did not know that the Modi government has already tied up a pact with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe for the much ambitious Ahmedabad-Mumbai bullet train service.

Earlier in the day, the visiting journalists went to a community rehabilitation centre, a dragon fruit farm and a processing unit. The southern city of Nanning is fast emerging as the busy hub of economic centre Guangxi autonomous region.

The Chinese officials also briefed the journalists on Wednesday on mega and unique Poverty Alleviation programme in Nanning.

The city of Nanning is also called the ‘Green City of China’.



On Thursday, Indian journalists were taken to rural areas for practical work demonstration at Jinfu Dragon Fruit base in Dingdang town under Longan County. They were also taken to Zhendong’s centralised resettlement area where hundreds of people ‘after relocation’ have been or provided accommodation for a minimum payment.

The Indian journalists along with three visiting scribes from Nepal also visited Ba Gui Agricultural Technology Demonstration Centre in Guangxi region. The Ba Gui garden was set up as a support centre for a local agricultural studies college in Guangxi.

Poverty alleviation, strategic location open new windows for development in Guangxi



Nanning, Aug 29 A right synthesis of multi-pronged approach including Partnership Assistance Model, selective shift from agro to non-agro sector jobs and fund raising involving community and private players have helped bring in revolutionary changes in socio-economic scene in one-time under developed Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Chinese officials said here in China on Wednesday.

"In our country, poverty is not only decided by incomes; even as someone has reasonable income but no house, he may be considered poor. If someone has health issues, similarly his family may be identified as below poverty and thus state would be responsible to help him," Huang Canbin, chief economist with Guangxi Poverty Allleviation and Development office said on Tuesday.

Mr Canbin told a group of visiting Indian journalists that since 2015 - a drastic change has been heralded in Guangxi region in southern China as out of 4.24 mn poors, as high as 3.2 mn of them have been brought up the ladder.

Guangxi has 14 municipal cities with Nanning as the capital city of the autonomous region  houses 12 ethnic groups, including Zhuang ethnic minority group making about 32 per cent of the total population.


Other ethnic groups include Yao, Miao, Han, Jing, Dong and Mulao.

The Indian journalists - on a week-long trip of key industrial and administrative hubs of China since August 24 - were on Wednesday given a detailed presentation of development works carried out in unprecedented scale.


"In recent years, Guangxi has witnessed gratifying economic development-since 2002; the annual GDP growth has been over 10 per cent for 10 years in a row," said Tang Chongguang, Director of News and Culture Division of Guangxi foreign affairs office.


Another official said, "While the fundamental status of agriculture is constantly enhanced; industrialisation process has been accelerated too."

The Chief Economist Mr Canbin said: "The fact that land belongs to the state in China has helped undertake the poverty alleviation programme at a massive scale.

"In 2018, GDP in Guangxi was about 300 billion dollars up by 6.8 per cent," he said, adding that in coarse of making economic success, Guangxi has also maintained social harmony and stability.

Meanwhile, a senior official Qu Tao said in realm of poverty alleviation, "India has done a better job compared to many others."

Nanning with about 7 million population has emerged as an important industrial and business hub for China also largely blessed with tax incentives.

Since 2004, officials say China-ASEAN Expo has been held in Nanning annually with the city also serving as a key link for China-ASEAN Free Trade Area.

Answering questions, Mr Canbin and other officials say relocation of poor people - about 7 lakh - has also fetched in dividends to government efforts.
Officials say over six lakh people were taken out of non-productive agro related jobs and put in sectors like poultry farming, fishing and piggery --- which were more viable from marketing and in general economic point of view.

"Another model that has helped policy makers is Partnership Assistance Model under which the nearby developed region Guangdong shared its experience and also provided job avenues to those from this region who wanted to move," Mr Canbin said, adding, "This is a highly successful model in China enforced since 1996.

Importantly, also Guangxi serves as the 'most convenient passage' to the sea and is in fact only region in China that has both land and sea accesses to ASEAN nations.

Sunday, October 13, 2019

'Threats and intimidation will never work on China'

 I would like to remind the US once again that threats and intimidation will never work on China. We strongly urge the US not to miscalculate the situation and to immediately stop its erroneous ways. - 

Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Geng Shuang, Aug 26, 2019

Blogger in MoFA, China: Beijing


Q: On August 24, the US announced that it would raise tariffs on about $550 billion worth of Chinese exports to the US by an additional 5 percent. China's Ministry of Commerce has made a principled response. Could you share with us what specific measures China will take in response?
A: The Commerce Ministry spokesperson has already responded to the latest US decision to raise tariffs. The US move violates the two presidents' Osaka consensus, tramples on multilateral trading rules, harms both countries' interests, threatens the security of the global industrial chain and supply chain, and drags down global trade and world economic growth. It is not constructive in any way and no one, not even the US itself, stands to gain. China firmly opposes and rejects such stark bullying and maximum pressuring tactics in trade. I would like to remind the US once again that threats and intimidation will never work on China.
We strongly urge the US not to miscalculate the situation and to immediately stop its erroneous ways. If it were to impose the latest additional tariffs, China will continue to take resolute measures to safeguard its legitimate rights and interests.
Q: Trump tweeted last Friday that he ordered US companies to leave China or come back to the US to set up factories. What's your response?
A: You may have noticed that before we respond, the US stock market and commodity prices have responded with major falls. Besides, as you may have also noted, American people from various sectors have expressed opposition to these remarks and the international community has voiced concern about such maximum pressuring.
As I said last week, 40 years after China and the US established diplomatic relations, the two economies have developed a mutually-beneficial relationship with intertwined interests. Deliberately "decoupling" the two is bound to threaten the security of the global industrial chain and supply chain, give rise to fluctuations in the global financial market and hamper global trade and world economic growth. It would be going against market economy laws, free competition rules and the trend of economic globalization. All stakeholders, including US businesses, will be sure to question and oppose such a move.
In China, domestic consumption has become the major driving force for economic growth, giving it much leeway in formulating development strategies. At the same time, with close ties all over the world, the Chinese economy is deeply integrated into the global market, giving it ample room for maneuver. In the first five months of the year, investment from Germany, the ROK, Japan, the UK and the EU in China increased by 100.8 percent, 88.1 percent, 18.9 percent, 9.2 percent and 29.5 percent respectively. The so-called US businesses pulling out of China sounds more like a political slogan than a practical measure. Even if the pullout actually happens, others will naturally fill the vacancy. At the end of the day, it's still the US that will suffer.
I would like to emphasize that decoupling the two economies is by no means the right prescription to ease the trade friction between China and the US. Even less likely will it offer the US a way out of its own problems. Let me reiterate, decoupling with the Chinese economy is tantamount to decoupling with opportunities, with the world and the future.

We hope the US will heed the views from various sectors, calculate its gains and losses, and come to prudent rather than hot-headed decisions.


Q: About 20 minutes ago, President Trump speaking at the G7 said "we've had two calls from China. They want to make a trade deal. We will shortly start to negotiate. We will make a trade deal. We are going to start talking very seriously with China." It seems that from what was negative last week President Trump is now being extremely positive and extremely friendly towards China. Do you welcome his new comments? Can you give us more details about the talks that have happened maybe within the last 12 hours between the Chinese and US negotiating teams and whether or not China is still willing to make a trade deal with the US?
A: I am not aware of the phone calls over the weekend you mentioned.
What I can say is that the trade disputes should be resolved through dialogue and consultation. The US decision to further raise tariffs violates the two presidents' Osaka consensus, tramples on multilateral trading rules, harms both countries' interests, threatens the security of the global industrial chain and supply chain, and drags down global trade and world economic growth. It is not constructive in any way and no one, not even the US itself, stands to gain.
We have noted that the US move to escalate trade friction has aroused wide concern from within the US and in the international community. We hope the US will give up its wrong approach and come back to reason to create conditions for consultations on the basis of mutual respect, equality and mutual benefit.
Q: US President Trump tweeted on August 23 that he has ordered American delivery companies to search for fentanyl in all packages from China and block any deliveries that contain such substances. FedEx, UPS and the US Postal Service said they began taking measures to prevent drug traffickers from using their services following President Trump's instruction. I wonder what is China's comment?
A: The Chinese government began scheduling the whole class of fentanyl products on May 1 this year. It shows the government's resolve to protect people's safety and health and its commitment to take part in global anti-narcotics battle and to safeguard security and stability of the world.
After the scheduling began, China has made unprecedentedly intensive efforts in advancing it and ensuring all measures are implemented effectively. We instruct logistics companies to conduct real-name delivery, to check the items in the packages before sending them and to ensure all packages go through security check machines. We also ask customs in key areas to double their efforts in searching and checking international packages with high risks.
According to statistics provided by the US Drug Enforcement Administration, in the second quarter this year after China announced the scheduling, the US Customs and Border Protection only discovered four cases of fentanyl-like substances trafficked from China, which proves the fact that China's measures are effective. Despite that, the number of deaths caused by fentanyl abuse in the US is still high. This is further proof that the opioid crisis in the US is triggered by multiple factors, and the root cause does not lie with the Chinese side.

As laws of basic economics tell us, demand and supply come hand in hand. Supply dries up when there is no demand. In the US, people tend to abuse prescription painkillers. The American people, accounting for only five percent of the world population, consume as much as 80 percent of the world total opioids. The US government can by all means intensify its efforts to reduce the demand for fentanyl. The US should respect facts and view China's work objectively instead of pinning blames on others. In the meantime, it needs to enhance domestic regulation and take real actions to curb the manufacturing, selling and trafficking of fentanyl-like substances.

Q: We noticed on the foreign ministry website over the weekend that you have a new colleague who's joined you in the information department. He is the former minister counselor at the Chinese embassy in Pakistan. Can you confirm with us whether or not he will become the new foreign ministry spokesman and when he might start his job?
A: Seems you are all interested in this. The new foreign ministry spokesperson will be on this podium in due course. You will know the answer then.
Q: Experts have pointed out that the beef industry is one of the main factors behind the wildfire of the Amazon rain forest. As the biggest importer of Brazilian beef, what does China have to say regarding the impact and causes of fire?
A: You were saying there's a linkage between the fire and beef? The correlation is new to me.
China has noted the fire in the Amazon in Brazil. We support the Brazilian government's efforts in fighting the fire and hope it can be put under control as soon as possible.
Q: Iranian Foreign Minister Zarif is paying a visit in China. What is the latest development about his visit?
A: I announced Foreign Minister Zarif's visit to China and the expectations from the Chinese side last week.
As far as I know, State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi will have talks with Foreign Minister Zarif later this afternoon. We will release the information in due course.
Q: According to reports, Russian President Putin instructed the defense and foreign ministries to analyze the threat posed to the country by the recent US ground-launched cruise missile test and prepare a "symmetrical response". In your point of view, how will this affect security situation in the region and in the world?
A: We note relevant reports. Less than three weeks after the official US withdrawal from the INF treaty, the Pentagon conducted the ground-based cruise missile test that was banned under the treaty. This fully reveals that the US withdrawal was meant to free itself to develop advanced weaponry and seek unilateral military advantage.
The US move will trigger a new round of arms race and lead to an escalation of military confrontation, which will have a serious impact on the international and regional security landscape. We advise it to discard the obsolete Cold War mentality and zero-sum game mindset, exercise self-restraint on arms development, uphold the existing arms control regime and contribute to global strategic balance and stability and international and regional peace and security.
Q: This weekend saw increased violence in Hong Kong with the police deploying water cannon trucks and one officer firing a warning shot. How does the central government view this?
A: The Hong Kong SAR government and police have responded to relevant questions. The central government firmly supports Chief Executive Carrie Lam in leading the SAR government to govern by law and firmly supports the Hong Kong police in lawfully ending violence and chaos and restoring order.
Q: US President Trump said that the US and China had two calls over the weekend. Is that true? Are you aware of the discussions? Is China willing to continue consultations with the US?
A: As I said just now, I haven't heard of the calls.
We have been emphasizing all along that the trade differences between China and the US should be solved through dialogue and consultation. The US decision to further raise tariffs violates the two presidents' Osaka consensus, tramples on multilateral trading rules, harms both countries' interests, threatens the security of the global industrial chain and supply chain, and drags down global trade and world economic growth. It is not constructive in any way and no one, not even the US itself, stands to gain.
We have noted that the US move to escalate trade friction has aroused wide concern from within the US and in the international community. We hope the US will give up its wrong approach, come back to reason and create conditions for consultations on the basis of mutual respect, equality and mutual benefit.
(Source: Chinese Foreign Ministry Website) 

Threats do not work with us, others can fill in if American companies pull out: China


By Nirendra Dev
Beijing, Aug 26 China on Monday took an aggressive posture against the US decision to impose additional tariffs and said threats and intimidation will not yield results. 
Foreign ministry spokesman Geng Shuang told visiting journalists here that if US companies withdraw from China in view of latest developments; "others will fill in" the void.
He said most of the comments emanating from US after it took latest decisions on tariffs resemble  "political slogans.''

Mr Guang said the US move is "against the laws of  the market economy and this will be opposed by all stakeholders  including the American companies.Threats and intimidation will not work with China" and if necessary,  Beijing will take measures to safeguard the "legitimate rights".
The  Chinese foreign ministry briefing here on Monday was attended by a  group of visiting Indian journalists who are on tour of China as part of  a trip organised by Chinese embassy in Delhi and its foreign  ministry.
It was given a detailed  presentation on water resources, dam constructions and water-related  relations between India and China and also between China and Nepal
The  Chinese foreign ministry spokesman also maintained that  US-China relations have grown into strong ties in last 40 years and thus  the US decision unilaterally was "not constructive".

Mr Guang said the US step is  also against the spirit of the talks  Chinese president Xi Jinping and  President Donald Trump had recently at  Osaka in Japan on the sidelines  of G20 Summit.
Beijing has of late maintained that it will not give into the US pressures on tariffs and will firmly defend its interests.
US has announced that it can impose additional tariffs on about 555$ billion worth of Chinese imports.

Chinese government has imposed fresh 10 per cent and five per cent tariffs on  $75 billion of US goods, and termed it only a part of counter measures.

ends




Friday, October 11, 2019

Chinese Minister Wang Yi, Jaishankar and Doval may get reflected glories


Mahabalipuram (Tamil Nadu)


There is a lot of expectation from the Informal Summit even as the ties between two Asian neighbours have been greatly strained lately due to differences over Kashmir.

Chennai: The two-day Informal Summit between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping here will certainly have all the spotlight on the two Asian giants, but at least three others may also shine in reflected glories.


They are Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, his Indian counterpart Dr S Jaishankar and Modi's much trusted NSA Ajit Doval; but with the moments of fame - all eyes will also remain on what sorts of additional responsibilities and new roles are given to them.

There is a lot of expectation from the Informal Summit even as the ties between two Asian neighbours have been greatly strained lately due to differences over Kashmir.

Since Doklam standoff in 2017 and subsequent Wuhan talks, the border has been largely peaceful.

However, there were skirmishes at times. One was more recently in Northern region though the quick intervention of existing mechanism helped sort out the problems and ensured 'de-escalation'.

Therefore, the measures on the table during new rounds of talks would include parleys on boundary matters as well as other pressing issues such as trade and perhaps even joint military patrols to boost trust.

Two Special Representatives at boundary talks, National Security Advisor Ajit Doval and China's Foreign Minister Wang Yi  were scheduled to meet in New Delhi in September but the meeting was deferred especially after Beijing protested Modi government's latest moves on Jammu and Kashmir.

However, it is largely hoped that at the Informal Summit, both Mr Modi and President Xi could review the existing Confidence Building Measures and may even decide about next round of meeting between Mr Doval and Mr Wang Yi.

According to observers, both Doval and Mr Wang Yi are generally understood for pursuing 'hawkish' approach and for his part the Chinese Foreign Minister had flagged off the Kashmir issue echoing almost Pakistani line even at his UNGA speech.

With regard Jaishankar, an old China hand, there are reasons to believe that it was he who had first mooted the idea of an Informal Summit when things were not happy going between two countries.

According to Dr Jaishankar's admirers, he brings into Team Modi virtues such as - a mind for dispassionate analysis of ground realities and patience and perseverance.

Of course, in next two days during the Summit and in immediate future, Jaishankar's qualities would also come under test.




Day 2: Knowing Xi's team members Ding Xuexiang and foreign minister Wang vital


Mamallapuram (Tamil Nadu), Oct 12

It may be erroneous for more reasons than one to expect
any grander announcement on joint cooperation between India and China at the ongoing Informal Summit here, but it may be worth taking a closer look into President Xi Jinping's entourage.
At the delegation level talks on Saturday after about 50-minute scheduled tete-e-tete between Modi and Xi Jinping, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, NSA Ajit Doval and Foreign Secretary Gokhale would join at the parleys.

From the Chinese side, those expected at the negotiating table alongside President Xi Jinping will be
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and Ding Xuexiang, a powerful member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China.
Among them while Foreign Minister Wang Yi is a known face for the students of diplomacy especially in the region, the personality of Ding Xuexiang deserves some sort of dissection and perhaps this can give the mind of his leader and the powerful President of China.
In simple words Ding Xuexiang is a powerful member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China.
He is often described as the 'eye and ear' of President Xi.

Not long ago - a suave and determined man that he is Ding Xuexiang wrote about party's foot soldiers and secretaries that they must “plan with the heart of a commander despite having a post as a soldier".
According to an article in the Beijing Youth Daily in 2013, when Xi Jinping introduced the members of his Shanghai Municipality to the press in May 2007, he had described Ding as “here is another young man, and he was born after 1960.”
Hailed for strong memory, political acumen and good writing skills, he was spotted about that time and has not looked back.


Considered a routine member of Xi’s overseas entourage, Mr Ding has served as political secretary for Xi Jinping, then party chief in Shanghai region before Xi headed to the central government.
In 2013, Ding moved to Beijing to head the party chief office and effectively made himself Xi’s chief aide.
Born in 1962, Ding had joined the CPC in 1984. From 2012 to 2013, he was Secretary of Politics and Law Committee of CPC Shanghai Municipal Committee. He was an alternate member of the 18th CPC Central Committee.
In 2013 he became Deputy Director, General Office for CPC Central Committee.
Another person - Wang Yi - the foreign minister is known to many - as the face of China's foreign policy.

However, an apt analysis about the man came from Paul Evans, a professor of international relations at the University of British Columbia in Canada, when he said few years back that Wang Yi " will be more than an implementer; he will be a shaper".
Others acknowledge his flexibility and subtlety as his two virtues.
Though generally regarded an expert on Japan, Wang Yi has handled Indo-Pak issues meticulously in the past as well.
From Indian perspective, it was given to understand that the Late Sushma Swaraj, the then External Affairs Minister, had good working relations with Mr Wang.
Both not only did the right spadework for the inaugural Informal Summit at Wuhan, they also carried forward with good follow ups at later stage.
“We will leverage our respective strengths in various sectors,” Wang had said in December 2018 as
both sides identified ten areas of boosting people-to-people contacts.

Thursday, October 10, 2019

Huawei success tale is ‘no different’ from Microsoft or Google


Shenzhen (China), Sep 2

At a time when all sorts of questions have been raised about the intent and credibility of Huawei as a technology major, company officials have said that the Huawei success story is due to right synergy of ‘wisdom of the east’ and ‘professional commitment of the west’.
A senior Huawei official told journalists from Nepal and India that: “If Huawei was born in the west, our story would be no different from the growth stories Microsoft, Google and Facebook”.


He further said: “It is true that Huawei is a China-based firm but it remains essentially a global company that has brought together western professional management and the wisdom of the east”.
In fact, some officials during a briefing to the group of visiting scribes from India and Nepal at the company’s global headquarters here have said: “Huawei has presence in 170 countries. In fact, no other Chinese companies have gone global like us. We strictly follow local laws....and a large part of Huawei growth is also due to western companies”.

In this context, they cited the illustrations that IBM had built processes and management systems and Accenture helped build CRM process.

“Huawei is a company with ideals and the best part of the story is that ideals are evolving with the times. The vision is to enrich life through communications by bridging the digital divide. We say 5G is on, and that inspires the future”.

However, the company officials admit that there have been major controversies too especially over its operations in Canada. There were concerns around cyber security especially about 5G. There were also controversies pertaining to the Huawei decision to invest in a number of universities in Canada – which have been ‘fairly small market’ for Huawei equipment.

But the Huawei officials say most of the controversies are on unfounded reasons. In Canada, the Huawei investment has been huge and this is largely due to ‘favourable’ policies and atmosphere for Research and Development investment.

“The Canadian education system has shown the inclination to continuously nurture talented people and thus on global scale, Canada is Huawei’s third largest destination for R&D investment only behind China and US".
However, the refrain among the officials is that by targeting Huawei, the US was “not making” any progress in resolving its trade relations with China.
“We cannot help solve the China-US trade disputes because we do not really sell in the US....If the US thinks, we can be used as a pawn, I would say they probably have the wrong person. We are not that important in the bilateral relations between China and the US,” a company official said.
With regard the Huawei’s relations with the Chinese government as being speculated widely, the company officials say the foremost link is that Huawei also ‘pays taxes’ and ‘obey’ Chinese laws.
“We receive some subsidies....but the fact of the matter is we receive similar subsidies for investment in basic research from European Union also," one of them said.

It is also true that for decades, the Chinese government has been for years “subsidized enterprises”.
Huawei officials admit about the issues concerning ‘backdoor issue’. However, they say the Chinese government itself has clarified that China “does not require” private companies to install backdoors or violate international laws.
Blogger at Huawei Headquarters

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