From the Readers

Asian countries must present a united front

(chinadaily.com.cn)
Updated: 2010-07-08 11:12

Comment on "Pakistan-China military exercise kicks off in NW China" (chinadaily.com.cn, July 2)

I believe China wants to be friendly with both India and Pakistan because both happen to be China's neighbors. China can only hope to develop peacefully if its neighbors enjoy stability and peace and all are in harmony. China does not want any to be in a mess. Thus the countries in this region should preferably be in peace, but we do not see it because Afghanistan is in a mess, not because of China or India or Pakistan but because of the USA and its NATO allies. It is because of Asian disunity that the Americans can impose its will on the area.

Do the Asians want to be continually deceived or misled into believing we are a threat to each other? Is China's rise a menace to India? A threat? If not, why allow ourselves to be unduly influenced? If China is not perceived to be a challenge to American dominance, would the USA come and seek Indian friendship so eagerly?

My Indian friend, I may be wrong, so don't take my words alone. But do ponder over them. I am not calling for Asian countries to threaten the USA and the West as enemies, but I am calling for Asian countries to be more united and to work toward an Asian union and community where we will be able to bargain more effectively under one voice just like they are doing in the form of NATO and EU in the West. While they act as birds of the same feather why are we acting as birds of different feathers?

I believe it is because they see strength in numbers joining and acting as one. They have done it.

HsunTze, on China Daily Website