Much as I suspect Karat's motives and own alliances and inclinations towards China, I cannot easily dismiss his advice. It never did anyone any good to be too close to USA or for that matter Russia or China.
A strong country need not tilt or seek dubious friendships. Learn from China that has no international friends and was as backward as India until a few years ago. It quiet went about its own business without seeking powerful friend and is now the second greatest power on Earth.
