China has reaffirmed its dedication to improving ties with India, expressing its willingness to collaborate in stabilizing bilateral relations ahead of a key round of high-level security discussions.
The statement came from Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian on Tuesday, coinciding with the arrival of India’s National Security Advisor (NSA) Ajit Doval in Beijing for the 23rd round of India-China Special Representatives (SR) talks. Scheduled for Wednesday, this meeting is particularly significant following a recent disengagement agreement in the disputed eastern Ladakh border region.
The talks aim to address enduring concerns about maintaining peace along the border and resolving the decades-old boundary dispute. Lin emphasized China’s readiness to work sincerely with India, focusing on implementing shared understandings reached during previous leadership discussions.
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He highlighted the October 24 summit in Kazan, Russia, where Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping discussed improving ties and managing differences. “We are prepared to respect each other’s core interests, strengthen mutual trust through dialogue, and resolve differences with sincerity and good faith,” Lin stated, stressing China’s commitment to fostering stable and healthy bilateral relations.
This round of SR talks marks the first formal engagement between the two countries in five years and follows a disengagement agreement reached in October. Both nations had withdrawn troops from friction points in Demchok and Depsang, creating a more favorable environment for dialogue after years of military standoffs along the Line of Actual Control (LAC).
Indian officials have expressed optimism about the talks, focusing on finding a “fair, reasonable, and mutually acceptable solution” to the boundary issue. “We aim to address the management of peace and tranquillity along the border areas,” said an Indian official, emphasizing the importance of building trust and momentum.
The SR mechanism, established in 2003, has played a critical role in addressing the complex border dispute. With the last round of talks held in 2019, this session is seen as a pivotal moment for both nations to renew constructive dialogue and work toward a peaceful resolution.
Indian officials view the talks as an opportunity to stabilize relations and pave the way for discussions on broader bilateral issues. “We hope these discussions will serve as a foundation for promoting stability and progress in our relations,” a senior Indian official remarked.
