First it was the announcement of the K-visa that triggered a wave of anti-India sentiment on Chinese social media. Now, it’s the announcement of direct flights between the two countries, for the first time since Covid, that is providing fresh fodder to fuel the anti-India ire.
“Don’t come here”, is the reigning advice on China’s social media handles. Others are downright insulting: “Bugs are coming,” “Disgusting” and “What’s the point of having a direct flight to India? Nobody wants to go there.”
“Let’s continue to suspend flights,” one comment read, while another said, “Although I don’t like India, I also do not have money to go to India, so it really doesn’t matter if the direct flights open up or not.”
The wave of negative expressions seemed to hint at something deeper, insecurities over potential competition from Indian techies, who are otherwise sought after the world over for their expertise and skills.
In fact, one comment on social media said, “Indians should be banned from studying science and engineering, humanities are fine.”
Another called for tough measures that could hobble India’s drive to industrialise.
“Chinese capital should be prohibited from building factories or participating in infrastructure projects in India. Any action aiding India’s industrialization is helping the enemy. Leave these to Japanese companies, let them have mutual cooperation.”
Another used said” “From trade’s point of view, it will help attack India’s economy, but don’t let them in using K Visa”.
Chinese netizens earlier had criticized India’s tourist visa rules requiring a 100,000 yuan (₹12 lakh) bank guarantee. India has recently started issuing visas for Chinese nationals largely under pressure from domestic business and industrial houses that need Chinese professionals to get projects moving.
So far there is nothing to suggest the Chinese government is having second thoughts about the need to clear the decks with India. But the anger in social media may reflect a wider anti-India which is something they will have to address at some point.
