April 4: After Southeast Asia and Africa, it is now the turn of SAARC countries for China to create an influence in the region by using its observer status.
Following the enthusiastic bidding for Beijing’s membership in South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC), by Kathmandu, and former proactive role, New Delhi is wary of this proactive approach on part of a country viewed not as a friend.
SAARC members at this point are reluctant about the increasing clout of Beijing within the region. Its keenness for SAARC is at the heart of a debate among member nations on whether to allow the observer nations to contribute to the proposed SAARC Development Fund.
If SAARC countries accept contributions from observers, China will follow its African policy by using the opportunity for generous offers, to deepen its economic engagement with the region - a prospect hard to swallow by New Delhi.
Chinese Foreign Minister Li Zhaoxing, representing his country’s maiden presence as observer in SAARC summit that opened here Tuesday, stressed on a comprehensive plan for enhanced engagement with SAARC.
“China respects the position of SAARC countries and the principles of equality, mutual trust and win-win cooperation, and is ready to carry out exchanges and expand practical cooperation with SAARC to contribute to the cooperation process of SAARC and peace and development in South Asia,� Li said Tuesday.
Echoing the goal of 14th SAARC Summit, Li stressed on a cooperation mechanism for poverty alleviation and carrying out of a comparative study on models of poverty alleviation. Li further stressed on exploring with SAARC, the possibility of establishing a China-SAARC regular meeting mechanism for cooperation on disaster relief and mitigation.
Beijing’s proposals include cooperation with the SAARC countries in crucial infrastructure and energy sectors. It also has an eye on burgeoning business opportunities in South Asia with member countries as the target.
Till Now, New Delhi is yet to state its stand regarding Beijing’s agenda as it is closely watching China's moves in the region. Besides not so friendly relation with China, Indian concerns might include the potential competition over influence in the region. Both countries are trying to review their mutual relations by shunning the bitter legacies of the past.
Repetition of China’s experience among poorer African countries can play a vital role within the region as most of the countries here fall in the same categories and need considerable economic support to move ahead. This might complicate the situation for New Delhi, which is yet to arise on the horizon of donor countries properly.
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