On Sunday evening, Dr Singh met Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao at an informal dinner. The gesture is a keen component of Chinese diplomacy, used dexterously to indicate both displeasure and approval.
In 1979, the Chinese invaded Vietnam when then external affairs minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee was visiting Beijing, the first visit by an Indian leader since the 1962 war. The Chinese could have waited till Vajpayee left the country, but by choosing its moment of invasion, it demonstrated that it didn't care about India's feelings.
On Sunday, Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao used the gesture to convey a different emotion towards India. By hosting an informal dinner ('restricted private dinner' as it was described) for Dr Manmohan Singh-- the first time such a courtesy has ever been extended to an Indian prime minister-- Beijing informed the world that it could do business with India and its leader.
Image: Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao pose for photographers during the dinner reception.
Also read: China, India - Still suspicious?
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