External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar has labeled China a “unique problem” and stressed that the challenges posed by Beijing extend beyond India’s borders.
“China is a ‘unique problem’ because it is a unique polity and economy. It’s not just an Indian problem,” Jaishankar said on Saturday at the ET World Leaders Forum, highlighting the concerns regarding trade deficits with China in India and the rest of the world. During a session titled “New India’s Risks, Reforms, and Responsibilities,” the minister pointed out that decades of overlooking the nature of Chinese production have led to significant economic imbalances.
‘China enjoyed advantages’
“If today people are complaining about trade deficits with China, it is because we all consciously chose to overlook the advantages that China enjoyed in a system where they had a level playing field,” he said during the event.
Jaishankar underlined that the issue of China’s influence is a global concern, not limited to India. “Go to Europe and ask them what is among your major economic or national security debates. It’s about China. Look at the United States; it’s obsessed with China, and rightly so in many ways,” he remarked.
‘China is not going to stop’
The external affairs minister stressed the importance of enhancing domestic manufacturing capabilities to counterbalance China’s economic dominance. “By my complaining, China is not going to stop doing things. If I do not build up my strength at home, our foreign policy will be as good as our domestic policy,” he explained.
Jaishankar’s comments come amid ongoing discussions about India’s trade relationship with China, which has continued to grow despite tensions along the border. He attributed the rising trade volume to a historical neglect of the manufacturing sector before 2014.
He also underscored the need for a balanced approach to foreign investments, particularly from China. “I am pro-investment, pro-growth, but somewhere there should be a balance,” he stated, advocating for a careful examination of investments to protect India’s economic interests.
