Nirupama Rao and Lin Minwang on the great India-China face-off

In the latest episode of Open Dialogue, a South China Morning Post series, two prominent experts discuss the complex India-China relationship. Lin Minwang, a Chinese scholar and author, argues that historical narratives, particularly the 1962 border conflict, have shaped India's perception of China as a threat. He believes that changing this perception would require altering deeply ingrained national identity narratives.

Lin also notes that Chinese public opinion has become increasingly negative towards India, partly due to easier access to information about Indian views on China.

Nirupama Rao, a former Indian foreign secretary and ambassador to China, acknowledges the role of history in shaping India's perception of China but emphasizes the need for both countries to change their narratives. Rao stresses that mutual curiosity about each other's cultures and histories is crucial for fostering understanding.

She argues that while India's democracy and diversity are seen as strengths by many Indians, they are also viewed as weaknesses by Chinese observers, who see them as sources of disorder and instability.

Both experts agree that the lack of trust between India and China is a significant obstacle to improving their relationship. Rao points out that despite decades of diplomacy, the border conflict in 2020 has eroded the trust built over time. Lin agrees, noting that the two countries are next-door neighbors with significant power asymmetry, making trust-building even more challenging. He emphasizes that the perception of strategic stability between the two nations is essential for progress.