Is the Border Issue Really 'Very Complex' and How Long Will It Take to Resolve?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Ongoing discussions on the border issue illustrate the complexity of the situation.
- Ambassador Xu Feihong emphasizes the need for patience in reaching a resolution.
- Both nations are committed to maintaining peace through strategic cooperation.
- People-to-people exchanges are vital for enhancing mutual understanding.
- The border issue should not overshadow the broader China-India relationship.
New Delhi, Nov 25 (NationPress) Xu Feihong, China's Ambassador to India, remarked on Tuesday that despite ongoing Special Representatives' Talks concerning the Boundary Question, the matter is intricate and will require time for resolution.
"In recent years, the China-India border situation has been predominantly stable, with both nations engaging in meticulous communication regarding the border through diplomatic and military avenues. This August, China and India conducted the 24th Special Representatives’ Talks, achieving a consensus that includes 10 critical points. Recently, the militaries of both countries convened for the 23rd Corps Commander Level Meeting in the western sector, facilitating thorough discussions on the management and control of this area," noted Ambassador Xu Feihong during an event titled 'China's 15th Five-Year Plan: New Blueprint for China's Development, New Opportunities for China-India Cooperation'.
The Ambassador responded to inquiries about the current status of the India-China border as both nations strive towards disengagement, de-escalation, and troop demobilization.
"The China-India border issue is indeed very intricate and will take significant time to resolve. I am confident that, as two ancient civilizations, China and India possess the wisdom and capability to uphold peace and calm in the border regions, ultimately discovering a solution that is fair, rational, and mutually acceptable. China is eager to collaborate with India, utilizing the critical consensus established by both leaders to enhance normalized boundary management and control, advance the process of management and de-escalation, and jointly uphold peace and tranquility in the border areas," he elaborated.
He further stated, "Nonetheless, the border issue does not encapsulate the entirety of the China-India relationship. It is essential to approach China-India relations from a strategic and long-term viewpoint, placing the border issue in its proper context within the relationship, rather than allowing it to define bilateral relations and hinder exchanges and cooperation. This approach aligns with the fundamental interests of both nations and the collective aspirations of their peoples."
The 23rd round of India-China Corps Commander Level Meeting occurred at the Chushul-Moldo border meeting point on October 25, marking the first assembly of the General Level Mechanism in the Western Sector since the 24th round of Special Representatives Talks on August 19. As per the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), the discussions unfolded in a friendly and cordial environment.
"Both parties acknowledged progress since the 22nd round of Corps Commander Level Meeting held in October 2024 and concurred that peace and tranquility have been preserved in the India-China border regions. Both sides committed to continuing to utilize existing mechanisms to address any ground issues along the border to maintain stability," stated the MEA following the meeting.
The Chinese Ambassador emphasized that enhancing mutual understanding through people-to-people exchanges is vital.
"Currently, the China-India relationship is witnessing a positive trajectory, offering expanded opportunities for exchanges between our peoples. Undoubtedly, interactions between individuals are boundless. I hope both sides will bolster exchanges and cooperation in various sectors such as political parties, think tanks, youth, culture, and education, and promptly resume the mutual exchange of resident journalists. As Ambassador, I aspire to witness more Chinese entrepreneurs visiting India for business and an influx of Chinese tourists eager to explore India's rich history and vibrant culture. I firmly believe that a future where the people of China and India exchange visits akin to familial visits will strengthen the bonds of friendship and goodwill, fostering increased understanding and trust between our nations," he concluded.