China Terms Border Dispute with India as 'Complex,' Emphasizes Need for Continued Dialogue

World News: On Monday, China issued a new statement regarding the longstanding border dispute with India, describing it as a “complex issue” that cannot be resolved immediately. However, Beijing emphasized its readiness to maintain ongoing dialogue with India to work on border delimitation and ensure peace and stability in the border areas.

This comment came in the wake of bilateral talks held between India’s Defense Minister Rajnath Singh and China’s Defense Minister Dong Jun on June 26, during the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) meeting in Qingdao. The two leaders discussed current tensions along the border and explored future strategies to address them.

India Proposes Structured Roadmap, China Open to Negotiation

During the meeting, Rajnath Singh underlined the importance of developing a structured roadmap to resolve complex issues along the Line of Actual Control (LAC). He stressed the need for concrete actions on the ground to de-escalate tensions and rebuild mutual trust.

Singh also suggested reviving existing communication mechanisms between the two nations to restore confidence through sustained dialogue.

Responding to these remarks, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning stated, “The boundary issue is highly complex and will take time to settle. However, the positive side is that both nations have established mechanisms at multiple levels to facilitate dialogue.”

Progress Since 23rd Round of Talks Between Special Representatives

A significant development in bilateral communication was the 23rd round of Special Representative (SR)-level talks, held in December 2024, between India’s National Security Advisor Ajit Doval and China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi. Both sides agreed to implement the October 2024 disengagement agreement, allowing the resumption of patrolling and grazing activities in certain disputed areas.

This engagement marked the first such high-level dialogue since the 2020 standoff in eastern Ladakh and helped lay the foundation for continued discussions.

Rajnath Singh Reaffirms India's Commitment to Peaceful Relations

In his meeting with Dong Jun, Rajnath Singh reiterated that India seeks to build “good neighborly relations” with China. He called for practical initiatives on the ground to rebuild trust that was severely damaged during the border standoff in 2020.

Singh also informed his Chinese counterpart about the recent terror attack in Pahalgam, as well as Operation Sindoor, an anti-terrorist campaign launched by India targeting terror networks in Pakistan.

China’s Response: Continue Dialogue, Preserve Peace

When asked in Beijing whether a specific timeline was being considered for resolving the dispute, Mao Ning responded, “We hope that India will continue working with us in the same direction, maintain communication, and jointly ensure peace and stability along the border.”

Although the border dispute between India and China remains unresolved, recent interactions signal a willingness on both sides to keep communication channels open and reduce tensions. Continued dialogue may pave the way toward a mutually acceptable and peaceful resolution in the future.