Even as Prime Minister Manmohan Singh in his message to the Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao said relations between the two countries have diversified into almost all areas of human endeavour, the National Security Advisor (NSA) warned against ?misperceptions and distortions” that could cloud ties and underline the need for vigorous public diplomacy.
?They have achieved a high level of maturity that serves the interests of both our peoples and the cause of peace, stability and progress in the region and the world. We share a strategic and cooperative partnership for peace and Prosperity,? Singh said in a message on the occasion of the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between India and China,
Singh said India and China are important trade partners and cooperate closely in many global issues. ?The shared vision for the 21st century, which we signed in 2008, provides the road map for our continued interaction and cooperation in the years ahead.”
NSA Shivshankar Menon said, ?When the world is changing so rapidly and when uncertainty in the international system is at unprecedented levels, neither India nor China can afford misperceptions or distortions of policy caused by a lack of understanding of each other?s compulsions and policy processes.?
At a seminar organised by the Indian Council of World Affairs to commemorate the 60th anniversary of India-China diplomatic relations, Menon pointed out, ?It is only on the basis of informed and supportive public opinion that we would be able to grasp the opportunities and move forward on the ambitious agenda that awaits India-China relations, the pursuit of which would place India-China relations on a sound footing for the 21st century.?
Referring to the ?shrill and over excitable commentary? on the relationship that has appeared in both countries in the last year, the former foreign secretary stressed on the role of public diplomacy in bettering ties between the two countries.
According to him, ?In a democracy like India, foreign policy has a symbiotic relationship with public opinion; it is both formed and it and needs its support to be legitimate, coherent and implementable.?
He also pointed to the emergence of ?nativist? voices, and the loud expression of opinion and warned that it could introduce ?volatility in perception.?
Chinese Ambassador to India, Zhang Yan, too, advocated better handling of public opinion to create stronger relations between India and China.
?Public opinion is vitally important to the development of our relations. Two countries should provide correct guidance to the public opinion and avoid war of words,? he said.
