EAM S Jaishankar To Arrive In Beijing Today As India-China Aims To Reset Ties

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar is set to arrive in Beijing, marking his first visit since the 2020 military standoff at the Line of Actual Control in eastern Ladakh strained India-China relations. This visit aims to address various bilateral issues and improve ties between the two nations.

Jaishankar's agenda includes discussions with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi. They plan to cover topics such as rare earth supplies, the Dalai Lama's succession, recent India-Pakistan tensions, and resuming direct flights between India and China. These talks are crucial for mending diplomatic relations.

Focus on Bilateral Relations

In recent months, both countries have taken steps to repair their relationship. Last October, they completed troop disengagement from two face-off sites. These efforts aim to restore trust and cooperation between the neighbouring nations.

The Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) plays a significant role in this context. China currently chairs the SCO, a multilateral group with nine permanent members, including India and Pakistan. The organisation provides a platform for dialogue and collaboration among member states.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh visited Qingdao less than three weeks ago for an SCO defence ministers' conference. However, the meeting did not issue a communique due to India's refusal to endorse it without mentioning the Pahalgam terror attack.

Tibet Issue Remains Contentious

China recently emphasised that India has officially recognised Tibet as part of China. This statement came ahead of Jaishankar's visit and highlighted Tibet as a "thorn" in bilateral relations. The Chinese embassy spokesperson in India stressed that Tibet is an internal matter for China.

The Dalai Lama's succession remains a sensitive topic. After announcing plans for his successor last month, China asserted its authority over the process. Although India initially remained silent, it later responded following China's reaction to remarks by Union Minority Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju.

National Security Adviser Ajit Doval has also engaged with China on security matters. He visited Beijing in December for the Special Representatives dialogue on boundary issues with Wang Yi and returned last month for an SCO security officials' meeting.