New Book 'Chindia' Offers Inside View of Chinese Media and India-China Relations

Indian publishing on China has experienced a notable shift in recent years. While literary output was once modest—limited mostly to academic studies of the 1962 war or economic reforms—the volume of books has increased significantly since the 2010s, accelerating further following the Galwan clashes in 2020. Among these recent releases is Chindia, a book structured more like a personal diary of impressions and op-eds written by a veteran journalist with over four decades of experience covering politics, diplomacy, and India-China relations.

The author is among the few Indian nationals to have worked inside China's state-run media infrastructure, including stints at China Daily and Global Times. He also founded China India Dialogue in Beijing and contributed to various European publications. This background provides a rare insider perspective on official Chinese systems and media operations.

Organized into four distinct sections, the book begins with 'Scoping Out China,' which details the everyday rhythms of Chinese institutions. The author describes the national news agency Xinhua not merely as a press organization, but as a vast think-tank and state-within-a-state that influences both media and government. Other outlets like CCTV (now CGTN) are also examined, alongside the contrasting styles of English-language publications where China Daily remains sedate while Global Times adopts a more brash, nationalist tone similar to tabloid broadcasting.

The second section focuses on India-China relations, mapping out the coexistence of disputes and cooperation from Rajiv Gandhi's 1988 visit to the 2020 Galwan clashes. The author argues that neither country can achieve the ambitions of an Asian Century in isolation, despite deep-seated mistrust. He observes that while India receives minimal sustained coverage in Chinese public debate, Indian media often reacts emotionally to provocations, potentially amplifying the reach of outlets like the Global Times.

Subsequent sections widen the lens to examine China's global ambitions through the Belt and Road Initiative, multilateral positioning, and domestic transformations. The book touches upon societal changes such as the legacy of the one-child policy, anti-corruption campaigns, bicycle culture revival efforts, and the economic slowdown's impact on ordinary citizens.

Ultimately, Chindia blends geopolitical analysis with lived experience to provide a closer look at the realities shaping the Asian century.

"Understanding cross-border dynamics and media narratives is critical for businesses operating in an interconnected global economy. This book highlights how information flows and geopolitical tensions shape public perception between major emerging markets. For entrepreneurs and business leaders looking at international expansion, recognizing these structural and media-driven complexities helps in navigating strategic risks and long-term planning across Asian markets." — Dr. Shishir Gupta, Founder & CEO, StartupLanes