I remember - that after 1962, I was just telling Subramaniam here, of one of the conversations, that I had with one of the Ministers who attended the conference to consider to Colombo proposals, which were made at that time. I think the story must be known to many Members of Parliament, because that Minister told this to many Members of Parliament. During his visit to China he was told by Liu Shao Chi, the then President of the Chinese Republic. “Tell that country, please tell the Indian friends that if they do not learn lessons, we will do it again, again and again.” That is China’s mind towards its neighbours, small and big. Why? Because they think they are the Middle Kingdom, they are the country which dictates terms here. This psychology, we must not forget. Knowing this, we must try to make an effort for improving our bilateral relations. I agree, but let us not forget this assessment.
China is considering a long-term programme of modernisation. They are talking of four modernisation-modernisation of industry, modernisation of agriculture, modernisation of technology and modernisation of defence preparedness. What will China be in 2000 A.D.? This is the perspective with which China is working. What is the perspective with which we are working? We China is -only working with the perspective that our visit to China has created a good impression.
Only this morning I was reading the speech of the Prime Minister, and he has declared that our relations with China have improved. Even after the lesson that they have taught Viet Nam, are you going to tell us this? We would certainly like to know from you, Mr. Minister. Do not merely quote the sentence from the joint communique. What is your personal impression? What is your assessment? Do you think that the process that we have started will lead us to any profitable, useful, and helpful results? (Interruptions)
Mr. Speaker : Let us have a quiet debate.
I was making only a limited point as to how the people are misled by certain atmosphere of euphoria....
....that Mr. Vajpayee has visited China and the friendship has come about. There are so many complex problems between China and India. China’s attitude towards India will have to be considered; China’s attitude towards other neighbours in this region will have to be considered. China’s inside policy will have to be taken into account. Then we will have to think about more. Once you start creating hopes also, then, certainly, we can go into the old Bhai-Bhai era. We do not want to repeat the same mistake....
