[Asia Economy Beijing=Special Correspondent Park Sun-mi] Amid rising anti-China sentiment in India due to the border dispute between China and India, 'Boycott China' products made in China are spreading mainly through the internet.
On the 23rd, on the Chinese social networking service (SNS) Weibo, hats, T-shirts, and banners with anti-China slogans such as 'Boycott China,' which have been gaining popularity among Indians for several days, have been posted. Media reports spreading the fact that most of the products with anti-China slogans, which are selling like hotcakes in India, are actually made in China are also circulating. As anti-China sentiment spreads widely in India, products with anti-China slogans are selling well, but these products are reportedly manufactured in China and exported to India.
The Chinese state-run Global Times stated, "It is unlikely that Chinese manufacturers would produce products with anti-China slogans and export them to India," adding, "China legally prohibits the export of products containing anti-China sentiments. Manufacturers and exporters are all aware of this common knowledge."
Manufacturers and exporters who export clothing and hats to India mostly responded in interviews with the Global Times that they "have never made or sold Boycott China products." Some also said, "We have never received orders from Indian customers to produce products containing anti-China slogans."
The Global Times, citing industry experts, reported that it is highly likely that Indian retailers imported ordinary T-shirts from China and printed such slogans on them for sale.
As the boycott movement against China intensifies in India, local governments are also expressing their anger by canceling cooperation projects or contracts with China.
Recently, the Haryana state government near New Delhi canceled a contract with a Chinese company related to thermal power plant equipment, and the Maharashtra state government, which includes Mumbai, is reported to have put on hold projects involving Chinese company investments worth a total of 50 billion rupees (approximately 800 billion KRW). Earlier, the Indian Ministry of Railways also decided to terminate a construction contract worth 4.7 billion rupees with a Chinese company.
The boycott movement against China has intensified following the border dispute between China and India, especially after the violent clash between soldiers of both countries on the night of the 15th in the Galwan Valley of Ladakh, a disputed border area. The fight involved iron rods with nails and stones, resulting in the deaths of 20 Indian soldiers. Although China has not disclosed the extent of its casualties, it is also reported to have suffered dozens of casualties.
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