3rd Oct 2017 09:10:PM Editorials
Eastern Sentinel Arunachal News

The average Arunachalee household probably runs on more China made products then the rest of the country. Right from the mundane rice cooker, mosquito killing racquet to bigger technological finds, we Arunachalese rely heavily on goods from across the border. Therefore, the Arunachal Jagran Manch’ call to the masses to boycott everything that is Made in China seems impracticle.

Ever so often, in the backdrop of Chinese transgressions on Indian Territory, the call for boycotting Chinese goods gains momentum.  Come to think of it, Chinese products have gained notoriety in the past for toxic adulterants in baby formula and lead in toys. At present ‘fake’ eggs and ‘plastic’ rice is causing tremors among consumers across India. Given these facts, boycott of made in China products is a logical option. However, the fascination for all things Chinese and its ready availability especially in the Northeastern states is something which cannot be curtailed nor ignored.

Being reasonably priced and having great aesthetic appeal, Chinese goods have a huge fan following. From making great designer knock-offs to kitchenware they have it down pat. Comparatively, Indian products honestly do look like the plain-jane sibling.

Last year there was a call for boycotting Chinese-made products on Diwali. But it is hardly a solution as not just festive products but all products are in some way Chinese made.

India and China have shared a love-hate relationship since the mid 20th century. However, India’s boycott won’t even put a dent on the Chinese economy. It is, however, a self-blow. The need and promise of economic prosperity keeps the India-China and relation amicable, stable and somewhat peaceful.

Boycott of products at a time when long-term plans have not yet fully yielded results causes negative impact at home. Without suitable Indian alternatives, boycotting Chinese products hurts the earning of the Indian trader who has invested his money in them and now is unable to sell them off to earn the money back. If these boycotts are to take place, they need to be taken at the root. However, almost every product used in our daily life has some prominent element that is Chinese. This demand just proves to be unfeasible, impulsive and not well thought out.

India’s bilateral trade with the US – a country India has built close ties with – stood at $23 billion in 2015. However, bilateral trade between two hostile powers US and China stood at over $367 billion the same year. This shows that economic engagement needs to be discussed outside the absolute political and diplomatic space.

As a country, we can't put a ban on imports of Chinese products as we are part of the World Trade Organisation. However, not to buy Chinese products can be taken at individual level if at all.

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Kenter Joya Riba

(Managing Editor)
      She is a graduate in Science with post graduation in Sociology from University of Pune. She has been in the media industry for nearly a decade. Before turning to print business, she has been associated with radio and television.
Email: kenterjoyaz@easternsentinel.in / editoreasternsentinel@gmail.com
Phone: 0360-2212313

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