So, in this difficult situation, what do we do? In the recent months, we have got another problem that is, the problem of China, because China has made a move for solving the problem of the boundary question. We rather talk too much of the boundary problem between India and China. Well, certainly, this is the most important problem that will have to solved. But, how and in what manner is the most important question. According to me, the most important question between China and India is to restore the position of friendship and trust that we enjoyed before 1962. The worst thing that happened between China and India is not only the coming of the faith in the friendship that is what has happened, and that has done an irreparable harm to India-China relationship. That will have to be restored first. Unless that is done, how can you solve the border problem?
Shri Rao has made a very balanced, tactful, statement about the offer of China for solving the issue. It is quite all right as far as it goes. But, we have to look at China’s relations from a fundamental point of view.
I have my own doubts about the bonafides of the Chinese. But I don’t make that an issue. Even this offer, it is very interesting to see, has come through a journalist, and that too when? When one of the Secretaries of the External Affairs Ministry was going to be in Peking to start consultations and discussions with them, the very next day, they gave this proposal to a journalist. That is what they call diplomacy through people. This is their technique not to directly recognise the Government but to talk over the head of the Government to the people and to say, “Look, how friendly we are. We are prepared to solve the problem. Now the ball is in your court. See what you can do. If you can do, it is good. Otherwise...”
Here I would like to say one thing. The problem will have to be tackled in a more basic manner, in a more fundamental manner. If at all we have to see China, we will have to see what China’s world perception is. Naturally, as far as bilateral relationship between India and China is concerned - I was in the External Affaris Ministry when the Government of India decided to improve relations with China - I am entirely for improving the relations between India and China. Bilateral relations, by all means, let us try to improve them. But the real test of improvement of relations ultimately lies on how they look at the world. My fear is : their basic concept of the world is that a third world war is inevitable. They do not believe in detente. May be, there is a conflict of policy and ideology between the USSR and China. May be, because there are conflicts of national interest between the two countries. I do not know. It is possible true. But, looking to the basic problems, in recent times, we have seen good words used by the Chinese for the non-aligned movement. But at one time they were very critical of the non-aligned movement.