China and India Hold 31st Border Talks, Agree to Reduce Tensions
Beijing, August 29, 2024 -The 31st meeting of the India-China Working Mechanism for Consultation and Coordination on Border Affairs was held in Beijing on Wednesday, with both sides agreeingto take steps to de-escalate tensions along the disputed border.
The meeting was co-chaired by Hong Liang, Director-General of the Departmentof Boundary and Ocean Affairs of the Chinese Foreign Ministry, and D.G. Sailani, Joint Secretary of the East Asia Division of the Indian Ministry of External Affairs. Representatives from the two countries’ foreign affairs, defense, and immigration departmentsparticipated in the discussions.
The meeting, which was described as positive, friendly, and candid, focused on addressing outstanding issues along the Line of Actual Control (LAC), the de facto border between the two countries. Both sides acknowledged therecent agreement reached by their foreign ministers to de-escalate the situation and move towards a peaceful resolution.
The two sides agreed to implement the important consensus reached by the two foreign ministers recently and jointly push for an early resolution of the border situation, a statement released by the Chinese Foreign Ministry said.
During themeeting, India and China engaged in in-depth exchanges of views on various border-related matters, leading to a narrowing of differences and a broadening of consensus. The two sides agreed to strengthen dialogue and consultations, address each other’s concerns, and strive for a mutually acceptable solution.
The statement also emphasizedthe importance of upholding existing agreements and confidence-building measures to maintain peace and tranquility in the border region.
The two sides agreed to consolidate the results of consultations, strictly abide by relevant border agreements and protocols, and continue to jointly maintain peace and tranquility in the border areas, the statement added.
The meeting comesat a time when relations between India and China have been strained by the ongoing border dispute. The two countries have been locked in a military standoff in the Ladakh region since 2020, leading to heightened tensions and mistrust.
While the latest meeting did not result in a breakthrough on the border issue, it isseen as a positive step towards de-escalation and a possible path towards a long-term solution. The agreement to strengthen dialogue and address each other’s concerns suggests a willingness on both sides to find common ground.
The meeting also highlights the importance of diplomatic channels in resolving disputes and maintaining stability in the region.It remains to be seen whether the progress made in Beijing will translate into tangible results on the ground, but the commitment to dialogue and de-escalation offers a glimmer of hope for a peaceful resolution of the border issue.
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