China, India reach consensus on easing border situation

Beijing: Chinese Special Representative on the China-India Boundary Question, State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi held a telephone conversation on Sunday evening with Indian Special Representative, National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, during which the two sides reached positive consensus on easing their border situation.

Noting that this year marks the 70th anniversary of China-India diplomatic ties, Mr Wang said that bilateral relations have experienced ups and downs and today’s development situation has not come easily.

For the incident that occurred not long ago at the Galwan Valley in the western section of the China-India boundary, the merits of what happened are very clear, Wang said, adding that China will continue to firmly defend its territorial sovereignty and safeguard peace and tranquility in the border areas.

Mr Wang stressed that achieving development and rejuvenation is the top priority for both China and India, and the two sides share long-term, common strategic interests in this general direction. He urged the two sides to adhere to the strategic judgement that China and India pose no threat to each other and are each other’s development opportunities, attach great importance to the current complex situation facing bilateral relations, and work together to overcome and reverse it as soon as possible.

Mr Wang also expressed his hope that the Indian side will meet China halfway, guide public opinions in the right direction, safeguard and promote normal exchanges and co-operation between the two countries, avoid the moves that will expand and complicate disputes, and jointly safeguard the overall situation of China-India relations.

The two sides exchanged frank and in-depth views on easing their border situation and reached positive consensus.