Beijing dated 25th May (News Services)- Indian President Pranab Mukherjee commenced his tour of China, landing at Guangzhou on 24th May. Prior to the President’s arrival, China had declared their unchanged stance on India’s participation in the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG). Simultaneously China expressed their readiness to extend the proposed Tibet to Nepal railway services up to Bihar in India. 
China pointed out that India’s not signing the ‘Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty’ makes them ineligible for membership of the NSG. India drew attention to the fact that France has not signed this treaty either and is yet a member of the NSG.
China responded to India’s statement, saying France, by virtue of being one of the founders of NSG, cannot have its membership revoked. This renders Indian example of France invalid, declared Hua Chu Nying, spokesperson for the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Hua Chu Nying did sayChina will discuss this matter with India in depth. On the other hand, China had made its stand on India’s joining NSG and its refusal to consider any change very clear, prior to the Indian presidential tour.
China has displayed willingness to discuss border issues with India, balancing its opposition to India’s membership of the NSG. They have exhibited their readiness for extension of its Tibet to Nepal railway service to Bihar. The railway line from Bihar to Nepal measures a mere 250 kms,declared China’s national newspaper, ‘Global Times’. Its journalists have suggested India reap the benefits of this railway service,which would be fully functional by the year 2020.
India’s strained relations with China have been evident over the past few months. China exerted its veto during a UN action to save the terrorist Masood Azhar, responsible for the Mumbai blasts. By repeatedly using itsveto powers to oppose India, China has firmly established its position as ‘the’ challenger to India. In light of these events, there is growing antagonism towards China among the Indian public. As a result, China might have to face repercussions in the near future. In spite of such growing antagonism, India has registered its intentions of preventing political relations with China from reaching the breaking point.
Prior to President Pranab Mukherjee’s tour, India maintained its restrained stance towards China. The Indian government though,will not be unable to ignore public antagonism towards China for long, sources report.
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