During the 30th meeting of the Working Mechanism for Consultation and Coordination on India-China Border Affairs (WMCC) held in the national capital, Bharat and China reaffirmed their commitment to maintaining peace and tranquillity along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) and working towards an early resolution of outstanding border issues.
The Indian delegation, led by Gourangalal Das, Joint Secretary (East Asia) from the Ministry of External Affairs, and the Chinese delegation, headed by Hong Liang, Director General of the Boundary and Oceanic Department of the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, engaged in discussions focused on current LAC tensions and resolution strategies.
The External Affairs Ministry or EAM noted that the discussions followed recent meetings between the two Foreign Ministers in Astana and Vientiane. The EAM statement asserted, “Restoration of peace and tranquillity, and respect for the LAC are essential for restoring normalcy in bilateral relations.”
Both sides agreed to uphold peace and tranquillity in the border areas, adhering to relevant bilateral agreements, protocols, and understandings. The meeting was described as “in-depth, constructive, and forward-looking,” with both parties committed to maintaining momentum through established diplomatic and military channels.
The Chinese delegation leader also met with Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri. The previous diplomatic talks between New Delhi and Beijing occurred in March this year.
Tensions have been high since 2020, when Indian and Chinese troops clashed in Galwan Valley, coinciding with the onset of the pandemic. Since May 2020, following aggressive attempts by Chinese troops to alter the status quo in eastern Ladakh, over 50,000 Indian soldiers have been stationed at forward posts along the LAC, equipped with advanced weaponry to deter any unilateral changes to the border situation.
