India’s National Security Advisor and Special Representative (SR) for border talks with China, Shiv Shankar Menon, will begin a two-day visit to China on Friday, in the backdrop of Chinese incursion into Indian territory in April.
This would be the 16th round of talks between top bureaucrats of the two countries to resolve the longstanding border issue.
Since resolving the incident, both countries have made positive noise about the relationship between the two countries.
But the fact remains – and diplomats privately admit -- that the border issue is a thorn in the diplomatic relationship between New Delhi and Beijing.
During his visit, Menon will meet former foreign minister and newly appointed State Councillor, Yang Jiechi.
On Tuesday, while formally announcing Menon’s visit to China, foreign ministry spokesperson, Hua Chunying made upbeat comments about the relationship between the two countries and said the neighbour nations were making progress on resolving it.
“We all know the boundary issue is a complicated issue left over from history. The two countries have made long-term efforts for early settlement of the boundary issue. Positive progress has already been made in previous rounds of the SR meeting,” Hua said at a regular press briefing on Tuesday.
{{/usCountry}}“We all know the boundary issue is a complicated issue left over from history. The two countries have made long-term efforts for early settlement of the boundary issue. Positive progress has already been made in previous rounds of the SR meeting,” Hua said at a regular press briefing on Tuesday.
{{/usCountry}}“For example, we have signed an agreement on political guiding principles to resolve the boundary issue and have also reached some preliminary consensus on settlement of the issue.”
“We are trying to work together with India to find an equitable, reasonable and mutually acceptable solution to the issue.”
“Pending the final settlement of the issue, we should safeguard peace and tranquility of border areas and ensure that the boundary issue will not affect the overall development of bilateral relations,” she said.
Hua also referred to the recent visit of Chinese Premier Li Keqiang’s to India and said it was fruitful.