What’s new, though, is the fact that Beijing and Delhi are finally acknowledging the deeply problematic nature of the relationship. Swaraj and Wang were also truthful about a critical issue in bilateral relations — the absence of mutual trust. India and China have had a tradition of hoary declarations that created an illusion of mutual understanding but deepened mutual distrust. China insists that the BRI is a win-win for both; Delhi fears it might just mean two wins for Beijing. As the stronger power today, China might think it can afford to be unilateral — on the frontier as well regional economic initiatives.

Source: Indian Express December 18, 2017 19:18 UTC