Beijing, China—In a significant move towards easing longstanding tensions, China and India held constructive talks on Thursday to address issues along their shared border. The 31st Meeting of the Working Mechanism for Consultation and Coordination (WMCC) on China-India Border Affairs took place in Beijing, co-chaired by Hong Liang, Director-General of the Department of Boundary and Ocean Affairs of the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and Gourangalal Das, Joint Secretary of the East Asia Division of India’s Ministry of External Affairs.
The meeting unfolded in what was described by the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs as a “positive, friendly, and frank atmosphere.” Both sides engaged in in-depth discussions, narrowing differences and expanding consensus on border-related matters.
In alignment with the spirit of the important common understandings reached during the July meeting between Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and his Indian counterpart Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, the two nations agreed to work together to “turn over a new page” in the border situation at an early date.
The delegations emphasized the importance of strengthening dialogue and consultation, accommodating each other’s legitimate concerns, and reaching a mutually acceptable solution promptly. They also agreed to consolidate the outcomes of their consultations, strictly abide by existing border-related agreements and confidence-building measures, and continue to jointly maintain peace and tranquility in the border areas.
Representatives from government agencies responsible for foreign affairs, national defense, and immigration affairs of both countries attended the meeting, highlighting the comprehensive approach being taken to resolve border issues.
This meeting signifies a hopeful step towards improved relations between the two Asian neighbors, with potential positive implications for regional stability and economic collaboration.
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China, India hold meeting on border affairs in 'positive' atmosphere
cgtn.com
