The Delhi gangrape and murder case showed inability of the Indian democratic system to solve problems and “lack of genuine equality”, a state-run Chinese newspaper has said, adding China was 30 years ahead of the neighbour in social development. “The abuse of women in India is shocking,” Global Times said in a commentary, referring to “572 rapes recorded in New Delhi in 2011”, and a seven-time increase in such cases the last 40 years.

“Six decades ago, China and India maintained a similar development level, but there has been a widening gap after China explored reform and opening-up,” said the commentary Indian Rape Case Shows Lack of Genuine Equality.

“Analysts hold that India is about a decade behind China in economic development and three decades behind in social development.” the paper said.

The West, however, saw India as having great potential due to its superior system. “But an inefficient and unequal democracy is unlikely to be able to mobilise this potential,” it said.

The paper said the Indian government was criticised for having reacted slowly and India’s law enforcement system “is considered sloppy”.