EAM and NSA to hold a conversation with visiting Chinese foreign minister on the state of bilateral relations

Contact Counsellor

Last Updated25/03/2022

"* Chinese foreign minister is on a visit to India to discuss state of bilateral relations and how to bring it back to pre LAC standoff days

The unannounced arrival came after New Delhi issued a second statement on Beijing’s association with the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) in Islamabad where the Chinese Foreign Minister was a guest "

Speaking in Islamabad, the Chinese foreign minister had said: “On Kashmir, we have again heard today the calls of many of our Islamic friends and China shares the same hope.”
India had “rejected” what it said were “uncalled for” comments he made while referring to Jammu and Kashmir at the OIC conference.

Chinese soldiers crossed the LAC around Galwan River valley during May 2020.
There were reports of Chinese soldiers having moved into Indian territory at multiple locations in eastern Ladakh across LAC leading to high levels of tensions
Both agreed to maintain dialogue through military and diplomatic channels.
Border remains tense as reports say that China is upgrading and installing radars swiftly along the LAC.

The 14th round of India-China military dialogue in January failed to yield any positive outcomes, although both countries said they would work towards mutually acceptable solutions to resolving the lingering standoff.
The Indian side made no headway in persuading PLA to disengage from Hot Springs near Kongka La and resolve patrolling rights issues at Depsang in Daulet Beg Oldi sector and Charding Nullah Junction (CNJ) in Demchok sector.

India said ties with China cannot be “business as usual” until and unless the border standoff in Ladakh is resolved.
It’s approach is that three “mutuals” are required to mend strained ties between India and China is key
These are mutual respect, mutual sensitivity and mutual interests and are determining factors for ties.
While India has always maintained that the border situation has adversely impacted bilateral ties
China has insisted that the border dispute should be handled appropriately and the larger picture of bilateral ties should be kept in mind.

Beijing’s outreach is an opportunity since two years of strained ties has led to the slide of gains made in the last three decades and such visits will make improvements in bilateral ties of both countries.