India-China Relations: Chinese FM Wang Yi Expresses Willingness to Collaborate with NSA Ajit Doval on Border Issues
In a recent development amid the prolonged border tensions between India and China, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi has conveyed his readiness to collaborate with India’s National Security Advisor Ajit Doval to address and manage the situation in the border areas effectively. This message was sent as a congratulatory note to Doval upon his reappointment as India’s NSA and Special Representative for the India-China boundary discussions.
Wang emphasized the significance of the relationship between China and India, stating that it transcends bilateral boundaries and holds increasing global importance. He expressed his commitment to working with Doval to implement the crucial agreements reached by the leaders of both nations, ensuring peace and stability in the border regions.
This communication follows Wang’s meeting with Indian External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar during the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit in Astana, Kazakhstan. It marks the first high-level interaction between Indian and Chinese officials since the formation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s new government.
The Special Representatives mechanism, established in 2003 to comprehensively address the complex India-China border dispute, has met 19 times. Despite its potential, it has faced challenges in achieving substantial success but remains a valuable platform for addressing ongoing tensions.
Relations between the two countries have been strained since the eastern Ladakh border standoff erupted on May 5, 2020. Despite 21 rounds of Corps Commander-level talks, the resolution has been elusive. India continues to press for the disengagement of the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) from key areas, while China maintains that the boundary issue should not overshadow the overall bilateral relationship.
This latest message from Wang Yi underscores a renewed effort to manage and resolve border issues, reflecting a cautious optimism for future negotiations.