Many in South Asia view major foreign powers (like China) and changes in status quo (like new economic relationships) with caution. A hist...
Many in South Asia view major foreign powers (like China) and changes in status quo (like new economic relationships) with caution.
A history of colonialism and non-alignment are shared experiences across the region. These experiences contribute to a principled worldview, which does not readily accept terms defined by realpolitik, and prefers to redefine issues based on precedent.
However, smaller countries in the region – like Bangladesh – have shown greater willingness to adapt to new trade and investment flows. India, meanwhile, has become more cautious.
These differing viewpoints are reflected in reporting on Chinese economic activity in South Asia.
Journalists in Bangladesh concerned themselves with the practicalities of China’s economic activity. Their work focused on events. They illustrated their stories with context.
Counterparts in India, and further abroad, expressed broader concerns about China’s economic activity. Their work focused on relationships. They illustrated their stories with perspectives.
This reflects a larger schism between fact- and opinion-based reporting.
It represents a distinct challenge for foreign news reporting and analysis, which often depends on third-hand accounts, collected in the days after spot reporting, or later when any debate has boiled over.
Unsustainable loans
Invariably, journalists who would like to present “both sides” of China’s economic activity in event-based stories, and commentators who would like to express their distrust of China’s intentions in opinionated stories, refer to debt trap diplomacy,...
