Source: TOI
BEIJING: India should not fall into the “trap” of the US and Japan who are trying to use it to contain China, state-run Global Times said, underlining that such a move may make New Delhi face more risks.
“Washington hopes to use New Delhi to contain China in the Indian Ocean. Tokyo wishes to counter-balance China in the Pacific Ocean with the help of New Delhi,” an editorial in the Global Times said.
“All these seem to be strategic opportunities for India, but they are actually nothing more than traps. Once India falls into them, the country will become a pawn for the US and Japan and will lose numerous opportunities while facing more risks,” it said.
“As a nation which sees itself as a major power, if India relies on external forces for its security, it will become more self-abased. The best path for India’s development is to be more open to its neighbours and join regional development programmes such as the Belt and Road (Silk Road) initiative,” it said.
The Asia-Pacific security pattern seems to have entered a phase of uncertainty as the US seems to be increasing its military presence in the region though President Donald Trump’s strategy for the region is yet to be made clear, it said.
“Nevertheless, it won’t stop China’s rise. Both China and India have the potential to play bigger roles in Asia-Pacific security,” it said.