India is a Retreating Image in China's Rear-View Mirror": Shyam Saran on How China Sees India

In a 40-minute interview to Karan Thapar for The Wire, Shyam Saran said “China would like to see India slotted into a subordinate role in an Asia dominated by itself”. This means China will do everything to thwart India’s rise and, citing the example of its opposition to India’s membership of the Nuclear Suppliers Group, Shyam Saran added, China is no longer worried about being the only voice opposing India. The interview begins with Shyam Saran explaining how and why two countries that share a nearly 3,500 km border are so ignorant of each other. After that Shyam Saran explains how China has traditionally (during the last two centuries) “looked upon India as a slave nation”. This is because China’s perception was conditioned by the British colonial presence in India as well as India’s role in the Opium Wars and opium trade. Join The Wire's Youtube Membership and get exclusive content, member-only emojis, live interaction with The Wire's founders, editors and reporters and much more. Memberships to The Wire Crew start at Rs 89/month.    / @thewirenews