Can we trust China?

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Last updated on: November 15, 2006 15:39 IST

On the eve of President Hu Jintao's first official visit to India, China's ambassador to India Sun Yuxi raised a minor political storm by reiterating that Beijing considered Arunachal Pradesh to be part of Chinese territory.

The bilateral relationship which began with the Hindi-Chini bhai bhai era promoted by India's first Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru was shattered by the border war of 1962. After a brief thaw which followed then Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi's visit to China in December 1988, relations soured once again with New Delhi's assertion that its May 1998 nuclear tests were prompted by China's military growth.

Since then, relations have thawed once again, leading to a phenomenal increase in trade and numerous high level visits by both sides.

But the border issue continues to fester, and India has serious concerns over China's military and political relations with Pakistan, considered an "all-weather friend" by Beijing.

Given these concerns, should we trust China? Tell us!

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