Even as uneasy calm prevails in Doklam, India and China pushed for early resolution of border dispute, saying it will serve the “fundamental interests” of both countries. Both neighbours agreed that peace should be maintained at the border till the boundary issue was settled.
National Security Advisor Ajit Doval met his Chinese counterpart in Delhi on Friday. Officials termed the talks as “positive and focused on bringing out the full potential of the closer developmental partnership between the two countries”.
Yang Jiechi, state councillor and politburo member of Communist Party of China’s Central Committee, had arrived at the invitation of Doval. They had last met in July in Beijing. Their latest meeting marked the 20th round of special representatives’ talks. The meeting was aimed to ensure that a Doklam-like situation did not raise its head again.
“They re-emphasized their commitment to achieving a fair, reasonable and mutually acceptable solution to the India-China boundary question at an early date,” ministry of external affairs officials said after the meeting.
Both the sides also agreed that, till the final resolution of the boundary question, it was necessary to maintain peace and tranquility in the border areas. This agreement between the two sides assumes significance as two neighbours had a long standoff at Doklam and there were reports that Chinese side still had troops near the border.
Doval and Jiechi also exchanged ideas on various confidence-building measures. Later, the Chinese special representative also called on Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Interestingly, US President Donald Trump, in his new national security strategy announced on Monday, identified India as a major partner and “leading global power,” while snubbing China.
As China was seen to be flexing its muscles through one belt one road initiative, which India had opposed, the US in its new policy said, “We will help South Asian nations maintain their sovereignty as China increases its influence in the region." This was interpreted as the US egging on India to play a lead role in the region.
As special representatives met, they appeared to have a convergence of views on the other’s growing influence. “Both countries acknowledged that relations between them transcend their bilateral dimensions and have significance for peace, stability, and development of Asia and the world.”
“They underlined the need for the two countries to build on their convergences while seeking mutually acceptable resolutions of their differences with due respect for each other’s sensitivities, concerns, and aspirations,” the MEA said in a statement.
