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Chinese op-ed hails Hinduism for India's geopolitical standing

Just Earth News | @justearthnews | 01 Sep 2017

Chinese op-ed hails Hinduism for India's geopolitical standing
Beijing, Sep 1 (JEN): In a rare instance of praise, a state-run daily in China has hailed Hinduism as a major factor contributing to India's geopolitical standing in the world.

The op-ed in Global Times, penned by senior author and editor Ding Gang, stated, "Like many other religions, Hinduism has its extreme side, but for the most part its more moderate side has the strongest influence. Perhaps it is this more moderate influence that has helped establish India's lasting cohesion and is one of the reasons that the country has not separated."

The commentary added that Indian Muslims have not been radicalised to a greater degree, as compared to other Muslims in most Asian nations, because Hindus have been able to foster a bond with them.

"In the long history of India, Hinduism has gone far beyond a religion to become a lifestyle and social institution. Both its extreme and tolerant sides have constituted the foundation for its relationship with Muslims and this dual character is going to exist for a long time," the op-ed read.

"The result of this relationship has made India a barrier for the spread of radical Islam on the global geopolitical landscape. In Asia as a whole, Islam forms an arc that includes the Philippines, Indonesia, Malaysia, southern Thailand, southern Myanmar, Bangladesh, Pakistan and Central Asian countries. There are tensions at various degrees at junctions in this arc where it encounters other religions and ethnicity, but a dent exists in the Indian portion of this arc," it added.

The commentator has said that the same has also helped India stand out and appeal to other countries.

"The world has taken notice. The lack of Islamic extremists in India has helped determine its role in Asia and has been taken into consideration by the US, Japan, Russia and European countries when it comes to their Asia policies,' the piece read.

Predicting a growth for India, the commentator has urged Chinese authorities to not overlook India.

"In the future, India is sure to continue to stand out in geopolitical significance when it comes to increasing religious and ethnic conflicts around the world," it added. "Where China is concerned, this significance should not be ignored."

 

Image: Wallpaper