A Chinese daily on Tuesday urged India not to throw tantrum after failing to join the NSG and said Western adulation had made New Delhi "a bit smug in international affairs".
The Global Times said in a hard hitting editorial that at least 10 countries, not just China, had opposed India's attempt to become a member of the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG) at Seoul last week.
It said India wanted to be the first exception to join the NSG without signing the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) and this was what China and other countries did not agree to.
"However, Indian public opinion has reacted quite strongly," said the Global Times, which is known to reflect the views of the Chinese Communist leadership.
"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," it said.
"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."
Saying some Indian accusations do not make any sense, it said New Delhi's reaction seemed to indicate their national interests can override principles recognized by the world.
"Recent years have seen the Western world giving too many thumbs up to India, but thumbs down to China. India is spoiled.
"Although (India's) GDP accounts for only 20 per cent 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...
"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."
The Global Times pointed out that on Monday the Missile Technology Control Regime absorbed India as a new member and denied China's access.
"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.
"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."
