In a recent column on the US Foreign Policy website, Christian Caryl writes: "The Cold War was scary enough. Now try to imagine a nuclear arms race between China and India." Well, for generations that have grown up after World War II, the Cold War was indeed a nightmare.

But it seems the West has developed its own perspective on peace and order in Asia. It sees what it wants to see. And its tainted glasses make even the unwitting moves of China and India appear as deliberately planned plots.

Western defense analysts have coined a term "security dilemma". It refers to a situation in which actions by a state to strengthen its security, such as increasing its military strength or forming alliances, can make other states respond with similar strategic measures. This heightens tensions that could lead to conflict, even when neither of the sides wants it.