Ask Europe, ask America… what was the question that Jaishankar talked about the whole world

New Delhi: Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar gives straight forward and straightforward answers on the most complex issues. he/she has no equal in speaking the truth without any pressure. Jaishankar did the same in a program of our sister newspaper The Economic Times. When he/she was asked why the relations between India and China are bad and what are the issues of dispute between the two neighbors, he/she said in a straightforward manner that the whole world has a problem with China, not just India. Jaishankar even said that you can ask Europe, ask America, everyone will tell you that there is a problem with China.

Look at Europe, look at America…

In the first edition of ET World Leaders Forum, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar spoke openly on India’s relations with China. he/she said that not only India, but the whole world is having problems with China. Jaishankar said that there are many issues other than the border dispute with China. In the program, Jaishankar said, ‘Even if we leave aside our own difficult situation on the border, there is a general Chinese problem. We are not the only country in the world who are debating about China. Go to Europe and ask them what is in your major economic or national security debates today? It is about China. Just look at America. It is obsessed with China, and in many ways rightly so. So the point is, don’t act as if it is only India that has a China problem.’

The whole world is worried about China: Foreign Minister

Jaishankar stressed that India’s problems with China are many and are different from the concerns of the rest of the world. he/she said, ‘Decades ago the world decided to ignore China’s problems. Now everyone is having problems. Apart from the whole world’s problem with China, India has a different kind of problem with China because there is a common problem, apart from the situation on our border. It is sensible to take the precautions that a country like India should take.’

Jaishankar said- it is necessary to keep an eye on Chinese investment

On a question about investments coming from China, Jaishankar said, “It has never been the government’s stand that we should not take investments from China or do business with China. But on the issue of investment, it is a common understanding that investments coming from China will be checked. I think the situation on the border and relations between India and China demands this. The Foreign Minister stressed that investments coming from China should be carefully checked before approval. he/she said that countries that do not share borders with China are also checking Chinese investments, although the level of scrutiny may vary.

Jaishankar further said that India should not only examine investments coming from China. he/she advocated a balanced approach to investment, saying that a sensible approach should be maintained while recognizing the importance of development. The Foreign Minister said, ‘A country like India should look at investments coming not only from China but from everywhere. I am in favor of investment and development, but there should be a balance somewhere.’