Global Times, a national English-language daily in China, published a strongly-worded editorial defending China’s position against the entry of India and other non-NPT countries into the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG). In a harsh attack on Indian public and the country’s media, the editorial termed India as a ‘spoiled’ and ‘smug’ nation, especially in international affairs.

“Since its foundation in 1975, all NSG members shall be NPT signatories. This has become the primary principle of the organization. Now India wants to be the first exception to join the NSG without signing the NPT. It is morally legitimate for China and other members to upset India’s proposal in defense of principles,” said the Global Times, which is part of the ruling Communist Party of China's publications.

“US backing adds the biggest impetus to India’s ambition, the US is not the whole world. Its endorsement does not mean India has won the backing of the world. This basic fact, however, has been ignored by India,” it said.

“Although the South Asian country’s GDP accounts for only 20 percent of that of China, it is still a golden boy in the eyes of the West, having a competitive edge and more potential compared to China. The international “adulation” of India makes the country a bit smug in international affairs,” it wrote about India.

The editorial railed, "Recent years have seen the Western world giving too many thumbs up to India, but thumbs down to China. India is spoiled. It is still a golden boy in the eyes of the West."

“Some Indians are too self-centered and self-righteous. On the contrary, the Indian government behaves decently and is willing to communicate. Throwing a tantrum won’t be an option for New Delhi,” it said.

By Premji