Sun Shihai, an expert on the Asia Pacific region at the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, told the Global Times that the role played by China in Kashmir, if any, is only in helping maintain peace and promoting reconciliation, citing the Kargil conflict between India and Pakistan in 1999 in noting that mediation efforts made by China and neighboring countries have helped prevent a large-scale war.
"India mistakenly adopts a kind of Cold War mentality, which is 'an enemy's friend is also an enemy,'" Sun said.
Unrelated visits
Farooq's expected visit to China comes after a visit this month by the Dalai Lama to the Arunachal Pradesh, drawing speculation that the move is a counter-measure by China.
Wang ruled out such speculation, saying the visits are unrelated.
"Though some people in India attempt to pressure China by inviting the Dalai, we are not that petty-minded to revenge," Wang said.
Zhao Gancheng, director of the Center for South Asia at the Shanghai Institute for International Studies, told the Global Times Sunday that India remains highly vigilant against China, which, he said, is unnecessary.
"India should appreciate the fact that China has never sought a hand in its internal affairs," Zhao said. "It should also stay clear of China's domestic affairs, especially the Dalai Lama issue, restricting his activities in India."
The visit also comes amid rising tensions over a Chinese embassy policy of issuing different visas to Indian Kashmir residents and the so-called Arunachal Pradesh, a move resented by the Indian government.
