Li Keqiang, China’s new premier, spoke of “a handshake across the Himalayas” on his visit to New Delhi last week. He came with promises to boost trade and cultural ties. But it will take more than a few trade deals to overcome the suspicion with which India regards its eastern neighbour.
That mistrust was inflamed last month by the incursion of Chinese troops into a disputed area on the Himalayan border. It is not clear whether this was a deliberate move by Beijing to give muscle to Mr Li’s visit, or just one of many encroachments that both sides commit on a regular basis (though this one was unusually prolonged). Either way, it was badly misjudged. Such actions cast doubt on Beijing’s claim that it wants better relations with its neighbour.
Beijing may be the more powerful economic partner in the relationship, but India is strategically important. China does not want India to fall under US influence as Washington’s foreign policy focus shifts to Asia. The two countries also have shared interests in the Indian Ocean across which so much trade passes. And the border remains China’s biggest frontier challenge and the one most likely to spark conflict – whether by design or miscalculation.