Chinese policy aimed at “exposing” Russia
PEKING, Dec. 1.–For China, the conflict in the Indian sub-continent is not a military confornation between India and Pakistan, but a political conflict with the Soviet Union, reports UNI.
Chinese policy, therefore, aims at avoiding a military conflict, exposing the “peace policy” of the Soviet Union and bringing about a political solution through which China will stand revealed as a friend and supporter of the “small countries” against the aspirations of the Super Powers.
This is the conclusion drawn by political observers here after studying the recent Chinese statements on the situation in the Substatement.
In the statements, made here and at the United Nations, Peking shows itself to be gravely concerned over the developments in the subcontinent, repeats its assurances that China will fully support Pakistan but underlines that a political solution must be sought on the basis of the Pakistani proposal for withdrawal of troops from the border areas.
It is stated more or less openly that the Soviet Union has encouraged and incited India to use force against Pakistan.
According to the observers, the Chinese leadership has apparently discovered in the India-Pakistan confrontation a means to “expose” the Soviet Union to world opinion as a “destroyer of peace” and to damage that country politically in the eyes of the Third World.
In this Peking cannot only count on the backing of pro Pakistani feelings in Islamic countries and anti-Indian sentiments in certain East African and Asian countries, but also use the latent distrust of many smaller U.N. members towards the two Super Powers.
In recent days Peking has been strongly urging the Pakistan Government to avoid any measures which could lead to a deepening of the crisis.
At the same time, the language used towards India is comparatively mild.
Deputy Premier Lt. Hsien-Nien no doubt spoke of Indian “subversion and provocation” at an Albanian Embassy reception last evening, causing the Indian Charge d’Affaires to walk out in protest, but this is diplomatic routine in the Chinese capital.
Reference: Hindustan Standard 02.12.1971