India, China need to set up new framework: Ex-NSA

June 19, 2017;

Former national security advisor Shiv Shankar Menon (C) — Geetanjali Dangwal, DNA correspondent,

Beijing’s behaviour has changed over a period, says Shiv Shankar Menon

Former national security advisor Shiv Shankar Menon has said that China’s quest for setting a new world order centred around it, has led behavioural changes over past two years viz-a-viz its relations with India.

Addressing a selected gathering here under the auspices of Institute of Chinese Studies, former NSA, which is also known as the best brain on Chinese affairs said since 2008, when Beijing allowed India a nuclear waiver at the NSG, its behaviour has changed. Saying that Modus Vivendi appears to have broken down, Menon, however, said there was no escape from talking to work out new Modus Vivendi or to evolve a new framework.

Former NSA, who has also worked as Special Representative (SR) for the boundary talks also confirmed former Chinese State councillor Dai Bingguo’s revelations that there was not much to do by the SRs of both countries, as they have set up a framework for the border dispute way back.

“It is not a political call to take in order to settle boundaries,” he said. Dai Bingguo, who had been China’s SR for the boundary talks with India that began in 2003 said behaviour in Beijing has changed, because from a low profile external policy it is now in process of creating a China centric global order, which no government in India will agree to. He said there was an urgent need to start talks with Chinese on maritime security, as free navigation through South China sea was important for India.

“The GDP ratio of our merchandise trade has grown to 49 per cent from a mere 18 per cent a decade or two ago, and most of it passes through South China Sea,” he said.

He said China’s shift to its Pakistan policy is also a cause of concern for India, where it now has long term commitments including in the PoK region.

“This is China’s relative moment of dominance. That is why they are focusing on the One Belt One Road (OBOR) and other infrastructure projects so fast,” he said.