New Delhi: India and China will hold the 15th round of Corps Commander-level talks on Friday to end the 22-month impasse over the remaining friction areas in eastern Ladakh.
Confirming the 15th round of high-level military talks, Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Zhao Lijian said China is hoping that during this week’s high-level military talks with India, the two neighbours can “move forward”, narrow their differences and work for a solution “acceptable” to both sides, according to the news agency PTI report.
The meeting will be held at the Chushul Moldo meeting point in Ladakh, according to Indian officials, quoted in the report.
Talking about the last round of talks held in January Lijian said, “two sides had a candid, in-depth exchange of views the relevant issues about the west section of the China-India boundary and issued a joint press release”.
What’s the current status of talks?
So far, the discussions have led to the resolution of issues in the North and South banks of Pangong Tso, Galwan and Gogra Hot Spring areas. However, there was no fresh breakthrough in the last round of the dialogue in January.
India has been looking for a quick disengagement on remaining friction points in eastern Ladakh such as Patrolling Point 15 (Hot Springs), Depsang Bulge and Demchok.
The standoff between the Indian and Chinese militaries began on May 5, 2020, following a violent clash in the Pangong lake area. Both sides gradually enhanced their deployment by rushing in soldiers and heavy weaponry.
What is China’s stance?
On asked about China’s action on the border issue, the foreign ministry spokesman said that “China and India boast broad common interests and huge potential for cooperation, and have historical missions of improving livelihood and accelerating development.” “The two countries should be partners for mutual success instead of adversaries of mutual attrition,” Zhao said.
Stressing that China-India relations are mature and multi-dimensional, Zhao added, "The border issue doesn’t represent the whole of the China-India relations and should be put in an appropriate position in bilateral relations and under effective control."
"We hope India will work with China to continuously enhance mutual trust, strengthen practical cooperation, and ensure that the bilateral relations will move forward in the right track, bring more benefits to the two peoples and make greater contributions to the region and beyond,” he added.