Indian External Affairs Minister (EAM) S. Jaishankar and the Director of the ruling Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Commission for Foreign Affairs, Wang Yi, agreed on Friday to stabilise bilateral ties so that border tensions can be eased.
Border Dispute
The two diplomats met on the sidelines of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) meeting in Jakarta, Indonesia, during which, Wang told Jaishankar that both sides needed mutual support instead of suspicion.
“The two sides should support each other and accomplish things together, rather than wear each other down or suspect each other,” Wang said.
“We should focus our energy and resources on each other’s development, improving people’s livelihood and accelerating revitalisation without letting specific issues define the overall relationship,” he added.
The Chinese diplomat also said that Beijing and New Delhi need “to work in the same direction to find a solution to border issues acceptable to both sides” and “should not let specific issues define their overall relationship.”
Meanwhile, Jaishankar said that the normalisation of bilateral relations serves the common interests of both neighbours and therefore, India is “willing to properly handle differences with an open mind.”
Just concluded meeting with Director Wang Yi of the Office of the CPC Central Commission for Foreign Affairs.
— Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) July 14, 2023
Discussed outstanding issues related to peace & tranquility in border areas.
Our conversation also covered EAS/ARF agenda, BRICS and the Indo-Pacific. pic.twitter.com/83VejZxUdX
Both diplomats agreed to hold the next round of military commander-level talks on border issues early.
During their last meeting in May, China and India held military-level discussions that ended in an impasse, with no progress on disengagement.
While four rounds of discussions have resulted in disengagement at Galwan Valley, Pangong Lake, and the Gogra and Hot Springs posts, the two sides continue to deploy over 60,000 troops each along their border. Depsang and Demchok remain the most prominent points of tension along the LAC.
Restrictions on Chinese Companies
On a separate note, the two also discussed India’s recent restrictions against Chinese companies.
In this regard, Wang urged a fair, transparent and non-discriminatory business environment for Chinese companies.
Last year, Chinese smartphone manufacturer Xiaomi Corp. said it is “disappointed” by the Indian government’s decision to freeze Rs 5,551.27 crore ($682 million) of its assets over its apparent violation of India’s foreign regulations act. The seizure amount is the highest in the country to date.
“The two sides should take actions to this end, adhere to the correct direction of bilateral relations, grasp the general trend of world development, and promote the stabilisation and improvement of China-India relations,” Wang concluded.