In Japan, Narendra Modi throws a jab at ‘expansionist’ China

Tokyo: Prime Minister Narendra Modi deplored the “expansionist” tendency among some countries, which “encroach” upon seas of others, in oblique comments against China which is having a maritime dispute with Japan.

“The whole world accepts that the 21st century will belong to Asia. But I have a question. How should the 21st century be? We have to give an answer to this. It will depend on how deep and progressive our relationship (between India and Japan) is,” Mr Modi said, addressing business leaders of India and Japan here.

“We have to decide if we want to have vikas vaad (development) or vistar vaad (expansionism) which leads to disintegration. Those who follow the path of Buddha and have faith in vikas vaad, they develop. But we see, those having ideas of the 18th century, engage in encroachments and enter seas (of others),” he said.

He did not name any country but the comments may be seen as targeting China which is engaged in territorial disputes with a number of its neighbours, including India, Japan and some others including Vietnam. India and China share over 4,000 km of Line of Actual Control. China claims approximately 90,000 sq km of territory in Arunachal Pradesh besides 38,000 sq km in Jammu and Kashmir. Relations between Japan and China have also been tense over similar disputes.

Watch: PM Modi delivers speech in Japanese!