Like it or not, you can't avoid our products: Chinese media to India

India's manufacturing industry is still underdeveloped and it doesn't have the ability to produce competitively, the Global Times has opined. That's why its long-running attempt to boycott Chinese products has failed so far, an opinion piece in the state-run newspaper says.
"Some Indian analysts have been appealing for a boycott of Made-in-China products. Especially after India's latest bid to list Masood Azhar as a global terrorist in the UN was suspended by China, the hashtag "#BoycottChineseProducts" has become popular on Twitter. But why has the boycott attempt failed for so many years? This is because India cannot produce the products by itself," said a blog published yesterday.

"Like it or not, they still have to use Chinese-made products because India still lacks the ability to produce on a large scale," it added.

The paper, which is affiliated to China's ruling Communist Party, said that it's the "forces inside India" that is hampering the country's reform process. Quoting Rahul Gandhi, the paper said Indian politicians should not use China to solicit votes.

"New Delhi should understand this: Diverting Indian people's attention towards China will only make its internal problems more serious," said the piece.

Relations between China and India have improved over the years and Beijing is also trying to address the trade deficit issue, it said.

"And it would be dangerous if candidates in the coming general election use the "China threat theory" to hype up nationalism and gain popularity. Sensationalising China affairs may help political careers, but it will not help improve India's economy, manufacturing or people's livelihoods," it warned.

The paper further advised Indian politicians to improve the country's real strength instead of just shouting slogans on Twitter.