China appeared to weigh on national security adviser Ajit Doval’s mind as he chaired the 18th meeting of the secretaries of security councils of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) member states, making three generic statements that had a clear Chinese overtone.

Without naming China, Doval said: “Calls upon member states to have mutual respect for sovereignty, territorial integrity of states and inviolability of state borders, non-use of force or threat of its use in international relations and seeking no unilateral military superiority in adjacent areas.”

While this applies to both China and Pakistan, the reference regarding “unilateral military superiority in adjacent areas” appeared directed more at Beijing.

Doval’s remarks on terrorism, too, sought to target both countries but again it was China which appeared to be the main focus. Asserting that any act of terrorism — regardless of its motivation — is unjustifiable, the NSA said: “It is important therefore for all countries to fulfill the obligations enshrined in relevant counter-terrorism cooperation protocols... for the purpose of identifying and implementing sanctions against global terrorist entities.”

Bringing up connectivity, Doval said: “It is important to ensure that such initiatives are consultative, transparent and participatory, and respect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all countries.”

This again seemed directed at China. India has an issue with the Chinese Belt and Road Initiative as its flagship project — the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor — runs through PoK.

The stress on connectivity projects being consultative and participatory is part of the West-driven narrative about China getting developing countries to accept infrastructure projects they can ill afford that eventually get them into debt traps.

Both China and Pakistan participated in the SCO meeting virtually.