Published: May 4th, 2021,
Last updated: July 25th, 2022
There are many flowery metaphors for the relationship between China and India, such as that of the dragon and the elephant, each with their different speeds. One thing is certain: India is currently in need and China is sending aid. This division of roles fits well with China’s self-image as a successful nation that now supports other emerging economies. But the exuberant pride in what has been achieved has obscured the essentials: Instead of helping altruistically, the focus is on India’s backwardness – which causes so much anger in its neighbor that it would prefer to reject the deliveries.