Beijing, Dec 6: India and China have reached an agreement to implement measures aimed at further easing tensions at their borders while continuing to adhere to the comprehensive resolution outlined in their October agreement regarding the protracted standoff in eastern Ladakh, as stated by the Chinese Foreign Ministry following talks in New Delhi.
On December 5, 2024, India and China convened for the 32nd meeting of the Working Mechanism for Consultation and Coordination on China-India Border Affairs (WMCC) in New Delhi. During this meeting, both nations committed to maintaining communication through diplomatic and military channels to uphold lasting peace and stability in border regions.
The two sides expressed satisfaction with the progress made on border-related issues and agreed to implement these solutions effectively while taking additional steps to alleviate border tensions, according to a press release from the Chinese Ministry on December 6, 2024.
This marks the first WMCC meeting following the agreement made on October 21 to mitigate a military standoff that had persisted for over four years, severely impacting bilateral relations.
The discussions were oriented toward preparations for an upcoming round of talks between Special Representatives concerning the border issue.
The two countries also recognized the importance of utilizing the border negotiation framework and maintaining open lines of communication to ensure sustained peace and stability in their border areas, as emphasized in the release.
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) of India noted in a press release that both parties reflected on the lessons learned from the eastern Ladakh border dispute to avoid future confrontations.
During the WMCC meeting on Thursday, both nations reaffirmed their commitment to ensure peace and tranquility along the borders, adhering to existing bilateral agreements.
They also strategized for the forthcoming meeting of Special Representatives on the boundary issue.
“Both sides acknowledged the successful implementation of the recent disengagement agreement, which has resolved issues dating back to 2020,” stated the MEA release.
The military standoff in eastern Ladakh between India and China began in May 2020, following a violent clash in the Galwan Valley in June that year, which subsequently strained relations between the neighboring countries.
The standoff effectively concluded with the disengagement process from the last two points of friction at Demchok and Depsang, based on an agreement finalized on October 21.
Shortly after this agreement, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping engaged in talks at the Brics Summit in Kazan, Russia.
During that meeting, they agreed to revitalize several dialogue mechanisms, including the Special Representatives dialogue concerning boundary matters.
India’s Special Representative for this dialogue is NSA Ajit Doval, while the Chinese side is represented by Foreign Minister Wang Yi.
“Preparations were also made for the next meeting of the Special Representatives, which will take place per the discussions held on October 23 in Kazan,” the MEA stated regarding the WMCC talks.
The MEA added that both sides reviewed the current border situation and reflected on the events of 2020 to prevent similar occurrences in the future.
They emphasized the significance of regular communication and exchanges at both diplomatic and military levels through established channels. “A concerted effort was made toward effective border management and maintaining peace and tranquility in accordance with relevant bilateral agreements and understandings,” the MEA further stated.
The Indian delegation was led by Gourangalal Das, Joint Secretary (East Asia) of the MEA, while the Chinese delegation was headed by Hong Liang, Director General of the Boundary and Oceanic Affairs Department at the Chinese Foreign Ministry.
Hong also met with Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri. (Agencies)
Beijing, Dec 6: India and China have reached an agreement to implement measures aimed at further easing tensions at their borders while continuing to adhere to the comprehensive resolution outlined in their October agreement regarding the protracted standoff in eastern Ladakh, as stated by the Chinese Foreign Ministry following talks in New Delhi.
On December 5, 2024, India and China convened for the 32nd meeting of the Working Mechanism for Consultation and Coordination on China-India Border Affairs (WMCC) in New Delhi. During this meeting, both nations committed to maintaining communication through diplomatic and military channels to uphold lasting peace and stability in border regions.
The two sides expressed satisfaction with the progress made on border-related issues and agreed to implement these solutions effectively while taking additional steps to alleviate border tensions, according to a press release from the Chinese Ministry on December 6, 2024.
This marks the first WMCC meeting following the agreement made on October 21 to mitigate a military standoff that had persisted for over four years, severely impacting bilateral relations.
The discussions were oriented toward preparations for an upcoming round of talks between Special Representatives concerning the border issue.
The two countries also recognized the importance of utilizing the border negotiation framework and maintaining open lines of communication to ensure sustained peace and stability in their border areas, as emphasized in the release.
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) of India noted in a press release that both parties reflected on the lessons learned from the eastern Ladakh border dispute to avoid future confrontations.
During the WMCC meeting on Thursday, both nations reaffirmed their commitment to ensure peace and tranquility along the borders, adhering to existing bilateral agreements.
They also strategized for the forthcoming meeting of Special Representatives on the boundary issue.
“Both sides acknowledged the successful implementation of the recent disengagement agreement, which has resolved issues dating back to 2020,” stated the MEA release.
The military standoff in eastern Ladakh between India and China began in May 2020, following a violent clash in the Galwan Valley in June that year, which subsequently strained relations between the neighboring countries.
The standoff effectively concluded with the disengagement process from the last two points of friction at Demchok and Depsang, based on an agreement finalized on October 21.
Shortly after this agreement, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping engaged in talks at the Brics Summit in Kazan, Russia.
During that meeting, they agreed to revitalize several dialogue mechanisms, including the Special Representatives dialogue concerning boundary matters.
India’s Special Representative for this dialogue is NSA Ajit Doval, while the Chinese side is represented by Foreign Minister Wang Yi.
“Preparations were also made for the next meeting of the Special Representatives, which will take place per the discussions held on October 23 in Kazan,” the MEA stated regarding the WMCC talks.
The MEA added that both sides reviewed the current border situation and reflected on the events of 2020 to prevent similar occurrences in the future.
They emphasized the significance of regular communication and exchanges at both diplomatic and military levels through established channels. “A concerted effort was made toward effective border management and maintaining peace and tranquility in accordance with relevant bilateral agreements and understandings,” the MEA further stated.
The Indian delegation was led by Gourangalal Das, Joint Secretary (East Asia) of the MEA, while the Chinese delegation was headed by Hong Liang, Director General of the Boundary and Oceanic Affairs Department at the Chinese Foreign Ministry.
Hong also met with Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri. (Agencies)
