New Delhi (TDI): China and India held the 32nd meeting of the Working Mechanism for Consultation and Coordination (WMCC) on Border Affairs on Thursday in New Delhi, underscoring their shared objective of preserving peace and stability along their disputed borders.
The meeting was co-chaired by Hong Liang, Director-General of the Department of Boundary and Ocean Affairs of the Chinese Foreign Ministry, and Shri Gourangalal Das, Joint Secretary (East Asia) from India’s Ministry of External Affairs.
Representatives from foreign affairs, defense, interior, and immigration departments of both nations participated, reflecting a broad inter-agency approach to addressing border issues, according to Global Times.
In a statement issued on Friday, China’s Foreign Ministry described the discussions as productive, noting that both sides positively evaluated the progress made on resolving specific border-related matters.
They agreed to continue implementing these resolutions comprehensively and effectively while identifying additional measures to further ease tensions in the region.
The meeting also focused on preparations for the next round of special representatives’ talks on the boundary issue.
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Both sides emphasized the importance of adhering to the consensus reached by their national leaders during previous engagements, which called for managing disputes through dialogue and cooperation.
A key highlight of the talks was the reaffirmation of the role of the WMCC as an essential platform for dialogue.
Both sides agreed to maintain communication through diplomatic and military channels to ensure that developments in the border areas do not escalate into conflict.
Efforts to Stabilize China-India Relations
This engagement comes amidst ongoing efforts by China and India to stabilize relations following heightened tensions in recent years, particularly in the Galwan Valley and other flashpoints along the Line of Actual Control (LAC).
By leveraging mechanisms like the WMCC, both nations aim to manage their differences and foster an environment conducive to sustainable peace and mutual trust.
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The statement concluded by expressing a commitment to implementing agreed-upon measures while continuing efforts to reduce friction and build confidence at the border.
The talks reflect a measured approach by both countries to addressing complex and longstanding territorial disputes.
