FOREIGN AFFAIRS

‘China expresses Readiness to Work with India,’ ahead of Ajit Doval-Wang Yi Meet

By R Anil Kumar

  • Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Lin Jian stated that China is ready to work with India to implement the common understandings reached between the two countries’ leaders and emphasised that China is committed to respecting each other’s core interests and concerns, strengthening mutual trust through dialogue

  • China has expressed its readiness to work with India “sincerely” as National Security Advisor Ajit Doval arrived in Beijing on Tuesday, December 17, for the 23rd round of the India-China Special Representatives (SR) talks

  • The meeting which currently is underway is seen as a crucial step in restoring bilateral relations that have been under strain for several years. The discussions are expected to focus on key issues such as peace and tranquillity along the border, as well as finding a resolution to the longstanding boundary dispute between the two countries

  • The disengagement, finalised in October, saw both India and China pull back troops from the last two remaining friction points in Demchok and Depsang, after nearly four years of military standoff along the Line of Actual Control (LAC)

Beijing, December 18. China has expressed its readiness to work with India to improve bilateral relations ahead of a significant meeting between Indian National Security Advisor Ajit Doval and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi.

Lin Jian, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman. (Source: Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs)

This meeting, the first since December 2019, aims to address the longstanding border issues between the two nations, particularly following the recent disengagement agreement in Eastern Ladakh.

The Chinese Foreign Ministry emphasised the importance of respecting each other’s core interests and resolving differences through dialogue. This statement was made by spokesperson Lin Jian during a press briefing, highlighting China’s commitment to restoring stable relations with India.

The upcoming discussions are crucial as they follow a series of high-level talks between leaders from both countries, including a recent meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Xi Jinping at the BRICS Summit in October 2024.

During that meeting, both leaders agreed on the necessity of maintaining peace along their disputed border and enhancing strategic communication.

As both nations navigate their complex relationship, marked by historical tensions and recent agreements on patrolling arrangements along the Line of Actual Control (LAC), this meeting represents a pivotal step towards normalizing ties and addressing mutual concerns effectively.

Indian National Security Advisor Ajit Doval and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi. (Source: Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs)

President Xi Stressed Improving Relations During Meeting with Pm Modi

During a recent meeting on October 23, 2024, at the BRICS Summit in Kazan, Russia, Chinese President Xi Jinping emphasized the importance of improving relations with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. This marked their first official discussions in five years, following heightened tensions after the 2020 military clashes at the border between the two nations.

President Xi highlighted that both countries are at a crucial phase in their modernization efforts and stressed the need for enhanced communication and cooperation to manage differences effectively. He remarked that China and India should view each other as opportunities for development rather than threats.

Both leaders agreed that maintaining peace along their disputed border is a priority. Modi reiterated that mutual trust and respect should underpin their relationship, emphasizing the need for stability in border areas.

The leaders discussed the importance of strategic dialogue and agreed to utilize existing mechanisms to address boundary issues. They expressed a commitment to work collaboratively on various fronts, including multilateral platforms, to safeguard mutual interests and contribute to global stability.

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi later reiterated these sentiments, stating that both nations are committed to rebuilding trust and understanding through ongoing dialogue and cooperation.

 

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