Congress: Is 'new normal' to be defined by China's aggression?

NEW DELHI: As Prime Minister Narendra Modi met with Chinese President Xi Jinping in Tianjin Sunday, Congress lashed out at his govt, asking if the 'new normal' is to be defined by "Chinese aggression and bullying and our govt's spinelessness".

Senior Congress leader Jairam Ramesh, in a post on X, said: "PM Modi's meeting with Xi Jinping today must be evaluated in the following context - In June 2020, Chinese aggression in the Galwan Valley cost 20 of our bravest of brave jawans to sacrifice their lives. Yet, rather than identify the Chinese aggression, on June 19, 2020, PM Modi gave an (infamous) clean chit to China".

Stressing that the Army chief has demanded full restoration of status quo on the border with China in Ladakh, he alleged that "despite failing to achieve that, the Modi Government has pushed forward on reconciliation with China, de facto legitimising their territorial aggression". The Congress, in a post on its X handle, took a dig at Modi, saying, "China took the lives of our 20 brave soldiers in the Galwan Valley. During Operation Sindoor, China was openly supporting Pakistan.

"China provided live updates to Pakistan. In response to these nefarious actions by China, Narendra Modi took strict measures. He shook hands with the Chinese President with a smile."

Ramesh highlighted that on July 4, 2025, Deputy Chief of Army Staff Lt. Gen Rahul Singh had spoken forcefully and candidly on "China's jugalbandi with Pakistan during Operation Sindoor".

"Rather than respond to this alliance, Modi govt has quietly accepted it as fait accompli and is now rewarding China with state visits". He cautioned the govt that China has announced a hydel project on the Yarlung Tsangpo that has grave implications for the Northeast. "Is the 'new normal' to be defined by Chinese aggression and bullying and our govt's spinelessness?" he asked.