In a significant move toward resolving longstanding border issues, China and India held the 30th Meeting of the Working Mechanism for Consultation and Coordination on Border Affairs on Wednesday. Both sides agreed to accelerate negotiations to maintain peace in the border areas.
The meeting was co-chaired by Hong Liang, Director-General of the Department of Boundary and Ocean Affairs of the Chinese Foreign Ministry, and Gourangalal Das, Joint Secretary of the East Asia Division of the Indian Ministry of External Affairs.
During the talks, both nations emphasized the implementation of the important consensus reached during the recent bilateral meeting of their foreign ministers. They agreed to focus on specific issues concerning the China-India border, consider each other’s reasonable concerns, and strive to reach a mutually acceptable solution as soon as possible.
The two sides committed to maintaining communication through diplomatic and military channels, strengthening the negotiation mechanism, and expediting the process to resolve the border situation early. This collaborative effort aims to promote the healthy and stable development of China-India relations. Both parties also agreed to strictly adhere to previously reached agreements and protocols, continuing to maintain peace and tranquility in the border areas.
Wednesday’s talks followed a meeting between Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and his Indian counterpart Subrahmanyam Jaishankar in Vientiane, the capital of Laos, last week. Both sides agreed to find a solution to differences and bring bilateral relations back to a positive and constructive track.
The accelerated negotiations reflect the mutual desire of China and India to resolve border tensions and enhance cooperation. The border disputes between the two countries have been a source of friction for decades, but recent engagements signal a willingness to move forward collaboratively.
The resolution of border issues is expected to have significant implications for regional stability and economic development. As two of Asia’s largest economies, strengthened ties between China and India could foster new opportunities for trade, investment, and cultural exchange, benefiting not only the two nations but the broader Asian region.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
