India, China special representatives meet, talk peace

NEW DELHI: India and China on Friday underlined the significance of maintaining peace and tranquility along the border pending a final resolution of the boundary question. The countries held the 20th round of their special representative talks, undertaking a “comprehensive review” of earlier rounds and agreeing that an early settlement of the boundary question served the fundamental interests of both countries.
This was the first round of talks between the special representatives — national security adviser Ajit Doval and China’s state councillor Yang Jiechi — since the Doklam standoff on Bhutanese territory earlier this year.

The Doklam dispute itself was discussed in detail, with the two countries exchanging ideas on confidence-building measures to avoid such incidents.

The government said in a statement that the talks between Doval and Jiechi, also member of the politburo of Communist Party of China, were positive and focused on bringing out the full potential of the ‘Closer Developmental Partnership’ between the two countries.

They “re-emphasised” their commitment to achieving a fair, reasonable and mutually acceptable solution to the India-China boundary question at an early date, said the government.

Significantly, the two sides agreed that pending a final resolution of the boundary question, it was necessary to maintain peace and tranquility in border areas. “In this regard, the special representatives exchanged ideas on various confidence-building measures,” said the statement.

The special representatives also reviewed the development of India-China bilateral relations at a time when China’s support to Pakistanbased terrorist Masood Azhar and its insistence on blocking India’s NSG membership bid has plagued the relationship. Official sources said all issues of relevance to India were discussed.

While agreeing to maintain regular contact and advance the development of bilateral relations in all areas, Doval and Jiechi underlined the need for the two countries to build on their convergences, while seeking mutually acceptable resolutions of their differences.