Prime Minister Narendra Modi is hailed as ‘Modi Laoxian’, which translates as ‘Modi the Immortal’ by Chinese netizens, as an international leader despite the India-China border dispute, according to an article published in the US. A rare respectable reference to. -based strategic affairs magazine The Diplomat.
Journalist Mu Chunshan, known for his analysis of Chinese social media, especially Sina Weibo (China’s version of Twitter), in his article ‘How is India seen in China?’ Most Chinese believe that under Modi’s leadership, India can maintain a balance among the major countries of the world. There are over 582 million active users on Sina Weibo.
The article said, “On the Chinese Internet, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is known as Modi Laoxian. Laoxian is an elderly immortal with unusual abilities. The nickname means that Chinese netizens consider Modi unique – other leaders Even more than.”
According to Mu, they point to his Laoxian-like dress and physical appearance, as well as some of his policies, which differ from India’s previous policies.
On India’s relations with other major countries, he said, whether it is Russia, the United States, or countries of the Global South, India can enjoy friendly relations with all of them, which is “very commendable” for some Chinese citizens. Is.
According to the article, “As a result, the word ‘Laoxian’ reflects the complex feeling of the Chinese people towards Modi, which is a combination of curiosity, awe and perhaps cynicism.”
Mu said, “I have been reporting international media for nearly 20 years, and it is unusual for Chinese netizens to give a surname to a foreign leader. Modi’s surname stands out among all others. He clearly has an influence on Chinese public opinion.” inserted.” In the article.
Modi has hosted Chinese President Xi Jinping and former premier Li Keqiang since taking office in 2014, as well as two rare informal summits with the 69-year-old in Wuhan and later in Mamallapuram near Chennai Which has raised hopes of better relations between the two Asian giants.
Following aggressive military actions by the Chinese military in eastern Ladakh, which violated agreements to resolve the border dispute, Sino-India relations hit a low, resulting in a nearly three-year military standoff.
There have been 17 rounds of high-level military commander talks between the two countries to resolve the standoff.
India has said that relations with China cannot be normalized until the border areas are peaceful.
Modi is also well known in China, where he connects with the Chinese public through his Sina Weibo account, which he launched in 2015 and has over 24.4 million followers.
Nevertheless, he left Weibo in July 2020 when the Indian government banned 59 Chinese apps, “to send a strong message on the border, on the economic front and also on a personal level”, according to BJP general secretary (organisation) BL. Satisfaction.
(with inputs from agencies)
