China's overwhelming argument of power

India's fragile ego returns.

What has offended Delhi is a line in the communique issued by President's Hu and Obama in Beijing.

"(The US and China) support the efforts of Afghanistan and Pakistan to fight terrorism, maintain domestic stability and achieve sustainable economic and social development, and support the improvement and growth of relations between India and Pakistan," the joint statement said.

In a sign that the US president has a weak hand to play, Washington acknowledged that Beijing has a role in the India-Pakistan relationship. China's sees itself arriving on the world stage thanks to its national power.

Sinologist Alka Acharaya makes the point: "We must realise that China-US have a totally different relationship, they are two of the biggest powers in the world...and will naturally comment on what is happening in the neighbourhood. Instead of making sanctimonious remarks, when the PM goes to Washington we can have a line in the joint statement on Tibet and the Dalai Lama. This would be more meaningful".

India has the power of argument but not the argument of power.