BEIJING: Defending China's opposition to India's entry into the NSG as "morally legitimate", a state- run daily today hit out at India saying the West has "spoiled" the country making it a "bit smug" in international affairs.
In a hard hitting editorial, Global Times said it was rules, not China, that prevented India's entry into the 48-nation elite nuclear trading body.
It said at least 10 countries, including China, have opposed the accession of non-signatories of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) into the NSG.
"India is not a signatory to the NPT, but is the most active applicant to join the NSG. Before the Seoul meeting, the Indian media played up the prospects of its bid. Some even claim that among the 48 members of the NSG, 47 have given it a green light, except China," said the editorial titled 'Delhi's NSG bid upset by rules, not Beijing'.
"...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 defence of principles," said the tabloid, part of the ruling Communist Party of China's publications.
The daily known for its nationalistic postures said India is emerging as the "golden boy" of the West.
"Recent years have seen the Western world giving too many thumbs up to India, but thumbs down to China. India is spoiled. Although the South Asian country's GDP accounts for only 20% 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 said.
Criticising Indian media and public reaction on India's failed NSG bid, it, however, said the Indian government has behaved "decently".
"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.
"India's nationalists should learn how to behave themselves. Now that they wish their country could be a major power, they should know how major powers play their games," the daily said.
Taking exception to the US' support to India for NSG entry, the editorial said,"US backing adds the biggest impetus to India's ambition. By cosying up to India, Washington's India policy actually serves the purpose of containing China."
"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.
It underlined that China's action is based on "international norms, but India's reaction seems to indicate that their national interests can override principles recognised by the world."
On India gaining entry into the the Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR), it said MTCR has absorbed India as a new member, and denied China's access.
"But the news didn't even make a ripple among the Chinese public. The Chinese have become more mature in dealing with these setbacks caused by international relations," the daily said.