As border issue hots up, India looks up to China in WTO

New DelhiGeneva Sep 20 (PTI) Notwithstanding reports of
tension building up along the Indo-China border, the two
neighbouring countries need to move hand-in-hand at WTO to
protect interest of over 100 developing nations in the Doha
trade negotiations, sources said.

"China is a critical player and will hold the balance of
power. India needs to align with them," a highly placed
official said after a week of serious negotiations which
resumed at the WTO headquarters after a gap of 14 months.

While India, Brazil and South Africa have played a
leadership role for developing countries in navigating the
global trade negotiations, China has so far maintained a low
profile despite its growing economic prowess.

"China has not taken any specific position...but the
developing countries need to court Beijing for striking a good
deal and ensuring a market access for them without opening the
floodgates for the rich nations," he said.

Amidst reports of Chinese incursions into the Indian
territory, the government has asked media to exercise
restraint and not play up the issue.

The Indian negotiating team in Geneva, led by Additional
Secretary D K Mittal, had a couple of bilateral meetings with
the Chinese counterparts to strengthen the alliance of the
developing countries against the US and the EU, which are
expected to increase pressure for market access in the
emerging economies, a source said.

Doha talks in Geneva resumed following meeting of key
ministers at New Delhi on September 3-4. MORE PTI