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A Round Table to discuss the forthcoming visit of Chinese President Xi Jinping to India was organized at VIF on 29 August 2014.

In his opening remarks, General NC Vij, Director, VIF underlined the importance of military factor as constituting the primary component of stable India-China relations. The key note speaker of the day, Mr. Arvind Gupta, Deputy National Security Advisor, reflected on China’s domestic political scenario and its emerging foreign policy construct. Mr. Gupta stressed that President Xi Jinping’s ‘China Dream’ and his thrust on developing a new concept of ‘Asian Security’ must be viewed within the dynamics of China’s global aspirations.

The participants said to achieve its objective of global supremacy, China is rapidly increasing its economic footprint in South Asia, Europe, Africa and Latin America. President Xi’s upcoming visit should be understood through China’s ambitions and actions with regard to South Asia and the Indian Ocean region on the whole, they said.

Speaking on the occasion, both Prof. Srikant Kondapalli and Mr. Ravi Venkatesan explored the areas wherein cooperation can be achieved between India and China. Prof. Kondapalli stressed upon the fact that China is looking forward to establish a form of ‘strategic partnership’ with India. This partnership is directed towards China’s ambitions to counter the US in the Asian region. He further stated that India could seek to enhance cooperation with China in the areas of maritime, cyber and space security. Mr. Venkatesan underscored the importance of African markets for India’s economic and strategic interests vis-à-vis China. He emphasised that during President Xi’s visit, India should focus upon getting improved access for India Inc. in the Chinese market.