China Open to Border Talks, Calls India Dispute 'Complex and Time-Consuming'

China has acknowledged the ongoing border issue with India as a “complicated matter” that will take time to resolve. However, it also signaled willingness to engage in negotiations, particularly on border delimitation and peaceful management of frontier areas.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh meets Chinese Defence Minister Admiral Dong Jun

Responding to Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh’s proposal during his June 26 meeting with Chinese Defence Minister Dong Jun in Qingdao, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning stated that China is open to maintaining diplomatic and military-level communication.

The bilateral discussion took place on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Defence Ministers’ meeting. Mr. Singh had suggested that both nations follow a structured roadmap to de-escalate tensions along the Line of Actual Control (LAC), while also reviving the stalled mechanisms for boundary demarcation.

“The boundary question is complex and needs time. However, we have established frameworks like the Special Representatives (SRs) mechanism and signed agreements outlining political parameters for resolution,” said Mao Ning during a press briefing.

She added that China is prepared to collaborate with India on negotiations regarding border management and is committed to keeping border zones calm and cooperative.

The two countries held the 23rd round of SR-level talks in December 2024, where Indian National Security Adviser Ajit Doval met Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi in Beijing. It was their first such dialogue since the 2020 military tensions in eastern Ladakh. That meeting saw the affirmation of disengagement protocols and resumption of patrolling in agreed sectors.

Mr. Singh, during his recent visit, stressed the importance of reducing the “trust deficit” triggered by the 2020 standoff and advocated for immediate action to normalize bilateral ties. He also brought up the recent Pahalgam terror attack, briefing China about India’s response through Operation Sindoor targeting cross-border terrorist hubs.

The Singh-Dong talks mark a renewed effort from both nations to stabilize relations and reinforce border peace, especially in the wake of prolonged friction in the Western Sector.