After a top Pakistan Army Commander invited India to join the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) project, the state-run Chinese media has advised India to accept the offer in order to boost its exports and realise its dreams of becoming a greater economic power.
“India could boost its exports and slash its trade deficit with China via new trade routes that would be opened up by the CPEC. In addition, the northern part of India bordering Pakistan and India-controlled Kashmir will gain more economic growth momentum if India joins the project,” an article in the state-run Global Times said.
“It is understandable that cooperation between the traditional rivals may make India uncomfortable. However, New Delhi's attitude toward Pakistan's gesture can be a touchstone for the country's determination and courage in becoming a greater economic power, “it added.
The article added that there is a possibility that the open attitude toward India joining the CPEC will quickly be overwhelmed by opposition voices from Pakistan if India does not respond in a timely manner.
“Such an opportunity could be transient. There is a possibility that the open attitude toward India joining the CPEC will quickly be overwhelmed by opposition voices from Pakistan if New Delhi does not respond in a timely manner to the general's overture,” the article said.
Referring to the Kashmir dispute, the article said that since India’s primary strategy is to promote economic and social development in the Kashmir region, the best way to reduce hostilities is by establishing economic cooperation based on mutual benefits to put aside what cannot be reached by a consensus.
The article added that China has no intention of using the CPEC as strategic leverage to intervene in Pakistan and India's dispute.
“China has no intention of using the CPEC as strategic leverage to intervene in Pakistan and India's dispute. On the contrary, China is likely to adopt an open attitude toward India joining the CPEC and would be happy to see more friendly interactions between the two South Asian neighbours,” it said.
Referring to the reports of Indian economy overtaking Great Britain to emerge as the sixth largest in the world, the article said that India needs to open international trade routes in its efforts to integrate itself into global manufacturing chains.
“India's economy has reportedly overtaken its former colonial ruler, the UK, to become the sixth-largest in the world by GDP. Now it seems the emerging economy is pushing past these current achievements,” it said.
“India is ramping up efforts to integrate itself into global manufacturing chains, and as such will need to boost regional economic integration and open new international trade routes to build an export-oriented economy,” it added.
