Boycott China : 4 point plan to make it more simple!

PM Modi in his last address when raised his voice for local products urging people to go Vocal for Local, many of them had questions about how feasible this decision would be and many of them still have. The staggering relation between India and China has achieved a new height with the recent border dispute near eastern Ladhak. The Chinese expansionist policy, newly fomented by Indian infrastructural developments near the Line of Actual Control (LAC) has led to the rise of “boycott China” roars in the social media. This escalated with the video of Sonam Wangchuk, an engineer and educational reformist from Ladhak, surfacing online. He propagated boycotting Chinese items to weaken the communist nation economically rather than using military forces.

 

The Chinese soldiers at multiple locations in eastern Ladakh have moved into Indian territory across the line of Actual Control. This move of Chinese soldiers has done anything but raised questions about the Chinese motives for this Action. The Indian soldiers were even attacked where 20 of them had to breath last on Monday night. The fact that Indian and Chinese soldiers are in an eyeball to eyeball situation at two places in Ladakh, with strong statements coming from both sides, can’t be construed as a very happy situation, even today.

 

 

As tensions remain high between Indian and Chinese soldiers, the data has to show that the the number of recorded Chinese transgressions across the disputed India-China border surged by 75 per cent in Ladakh in 2019. Hence, the anti-China sentiment is it actually in sync with the ground realities. But are we ready to take the risk of cutting all trade related ties with China? Especially during this health emergency situation when the number of COVID 19 cases are touching new heights every day?

 

I ask, who if not we are going to stand by the country? It may take time, is totally difficult in some situations like that of Hardware and Solar powers and steel but it is not at all impossible. In the wake of these continued border skirmishes with China, the Confederation of All India Traders has decided to step up its nationwide movement against the boycott of Chinese goods which was launched on 10th June under its campaign ‘Bhartiya Samaan- Hamara Abhimaan’. In the first phase, CAIT has selected more than 500 broad categories of items which include more than 3,000 items which are made indigenously in India also, but succumbing to the temptation of cheap items, these were being imported from China until now. What we have to do is just stop using these products one by one if not all at once. Is it that difficult? India is one of the biggest market to the Chinese products. We buy, they earn, invest in Weapons, back Pakistan and stand against the Indian soldiers at borders. And this cycle is to make rounds unless all Indians stand together and break the chain.

 

Here’s how the plan may sound simple-

 

1. Kill the Demand: When demand for China made products goes down, so does their sales and their product dumping manipulation in Indian market. People should encourage sellers who sell Indian and not Chinese made products.

 

2. Laws and Regulations : Government should mandate disclosing the country where a product is made, so that the customer makes well informed decision about what they are getting. Online shopping websites like Flipkart (website), Amazon (company) and other leading players should list the location of manufacture (Like “Made in China” or “Made in India” etc). Doing so would help Indians who are determined to avoid Chinese or Made in China products.

 

3. Encourage Local Manufacturing : India is blessed with Human Resources and skilled labours. It’s just a matter of realization that India should stand up and be self sufficient. Indian Manufacturers should identify all the Chinese goods which are in demand and should produce competitive and high-quality equivalent products. They should be well supported by the government, and be guided all the ways until they realize their potential.

 

4. Be wise : Don’t be a market where everyone sells in your country and no one buy from your country. India should never sign a trade agreement with China again or renew anything anymore, where China takes advantage of us.

 

China has never been a friend of India and never will. The world witnessed their lies, unethical behaviour over years. They flex their muscle thinking they are the one with power, and everyone else is cowards. The reality is no one can afford to have a nuclear war! When it comes to national security, India has all rights to defend against all threats. One way Indians can help in India’s effort to fight for our safety is by doing their part. Believe it or not, trade and sales is what makes a country powerful. You don’t need a lot of military power to win over someone, but if you stop buying their products, they will eventually lose for sure. 

 

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