PM Modi is known as Modi Laoxian among Chinese netizens
According to a Beijing-based journalist, Prime Minister Modi is known as Modi Laoxian among Chinese netizens. Chunshan wrote that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has an unusual nickname on the Chinese internet: Modi Laoxian. Laoxian refers to an elderly immortal with some weird abilities. The nickname implies that Chinese netizens think Modi is different than other leaders, even more amazing. They point to his dress and physical appearance, seen as Laoxian-like, and some of his policies that are different from India's previous ones, Chunshan wrote.
He described the meaning of the word Laoxian as something that captures the complex sentiment of Chinese people toward Modi, combining curiosity, astonishment, and perhaps a dash of cynicism. The journalist also said that it was rare for Chinese social media users to give a nickname to a foreign leader. According to Chunshan, Modi had a nickname, so he had an impression on the Chinese public opinion.
PM Modi had an account on the Chinese social media platform Sina Weibo until July 2020, with over 2.40 lakh followers. He left the platform in July 2020 when the Indian government banned Chinese apps due to dwindling ties.
In the article, Chunshan mentions that Chinese people have no malice towards India, but the border dispute is an exception''. After the Galwan Valley clash in 2020, India-China relations hit rock bottom, killing 20 Indian Army personnel. Since then, Indian and Chinese armies have held a series of high-level commanders talks to resolve the standoff.
Chunshan says that Chinese people have a realistic view and believe that China's attempts to use Pakistan against India are unrealistic Referring to the instability in Pakistan and the rise of India on the global stage, Chunshan says that China and India have more room for cooperation since China's trade with India is $115 billion a year, more than its trade with Pakistan. China trade with Pakistan is estimated to be worth around $30 billion a year. The journalist stated that Chinese people were anxious about India's growing popularity in the West and its handling of the Ukraine crisis.
The journalist wrote, In the eyes of these netizens if India becomes the world's second-largest economy and its military strength continues to develop, then the United States will be sure to suppress India - as it is now doing to China. 2 billion dollars in a historic deal is all you need to know.