New Delhi: In a significant diplomatic gesture, China has expressed its willingness to engage in dialogue with India on managing and eventually demarcating the disputed border that has long remained a point of contention between the two Asian giants.
The statement from Beijing came just days after Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh underscored the urgent need for a lasting and structured resolution to the boundary dispute during his meeting with Chinese Defence Minister Admiral Dong Jun.
Addressing a regular press conference in Beijing on Monday, Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Mao Ning indicated that China is open to continuing conversations on both delimitation of the border and broader management of border-related issues.
Her remarks were in direct response to a query regarding Rajnath Singh’s recent statements pushing for a renewed effort to address the boundary dispute.
“China stands ready to maintain communication with India on matters including the negotiations for boundary delimitation and border management.
We are committed to jointly safeguarding peace and stability in the border areas, and to promoting cooperation and exchanges across the border,” Mao stated.
This latest development comes against the backdrop of a broader diplomatic thaw that began in October last year, when both nations reached a mutual understanding to bring an end to the prolonged military standoff in the Ladakh sector along the Line of Actual Control (LAC).
That standoff, which had persisted for four years, significantly strained bilateral relations and saw both militaries maintain a heavy deployment of troops and equipment near the disputed areas.
Since the breakthrough understanding in October, India and China have engaged in a series of high-level meetings aimed at restoring normalcy and rebuilding mutual trust.
These interactions include dialogues between the Special Representatives for border discussions—India’s National Security Adviser, Ajit Doval, and China’s Foreign Minister, Wang Yi—who have played key roles in shaping the trajectory of bilateral negotiations.
Acknowledging the complexity of the border issue, Mao Ning noted that the dispute is deeply rooted in history and cannot be resolved overnight.
“The boundary question is indeed a complicated issue, and it will require time and patience to arrive at a mutually acceptable solution,” she said.
However, Mao was also optimistic, pointing out that the two sides have already established multiple diplomatic and military channels for sustained communication, which she described as a “positive” foundation for future progress.
She added, “We hope India will work in tandem with China to manage the border situation constructively, remain in close communication on all relevant matters, and continue joint efforts to ensure peace and stability along the shared border.”
The urgency of finding a durable solution to the border tensions was brought sharply into focus following the deadly Galwan Valley clash in June 2020, which claimed the lives of 20 Indian soldiers and at least four Chinese troops.
That incident marked the lowest point in Sino-Indian relations in over 60 years and led to heightened military alertness and political unease on both sides.
While both governments have since taken steps to de-escalate tensions, including disengagement at certain friction points, the border issue remains unresolved.
However, the recent diplomatic overtures suggest a cautious willingness on both sides to move beyond past hostilities and build a framework for long-term stability and cooperation.