China reacts cautiously to India’s second launch of Agni-V

BEIJING: Reacting cautiously to India’s second launch of ballistic missile Agni-V that has a strike range of over 5,000 km, China today said both sides should make concerted efforts to enhance political trust and asked media to play a more conducive role to improve bilateral ties.

“We have noted relevant reports and comments and hope relevant media can do more that is conducive to the growth of China-India relations and regional peace and stability,” Foreign Ministry Spokesman Hong Lei told reporters when asked for his reaction to the second successful launch of Agni-V.

“Both China and India are important emerging economies and natural cooperative partners. Both sides should make concerted efforts to enhance political mutual trust and work peace and stability of this region,” he said.

Unlike its first test launch last year, yesterday’s test of Agni-V evoked subdued reactions in Chinese media.

The state-run Xinhua news agency as well the official China Daily reported about the launch and took note of the successful test firing of the nuclear capable missile, which brings into its rage several major cities of China.

When the missile was first test fired last year, it evoked mixed reactions among Chinese strategic analysts.

While one expert termed it as a “milestone” in propelling India into exclusive club of countries with intercontinental ballistic missiles another analyst said it reflected India’s plans to become world power.

“No doubt it is a milestone for India,” Fu Xiaoqiang, a Chinese expert on South Asia at the China Institutes of Contemporary International Relations, said reacting to the launch of Agni-V. “It not only makes India sit at the same table as the ICBM club but also makes it a bigger player in a multi-polar world,” Fu told state-run Global Times after the first test launch last year.

“India has been seeing China as a goal or a competitor for its own development, military power included,” he said, adding “China does not see India as a threat in reality. The development of India helps push forward the multi-polarization of the world.”

“The media focuses much on India’s challenge to China with the missile but neglects how it will change the international pattern and enhance India’s role on the global stage,” Fu said.

“It is worth noting that India’s missile could also pose a potential threat to other countries besides China,” he said. -PTI