Chinese Foreign Minister Says India-China Border Dispute Is Complicated, Ready To Talk On Delimitation

China has acknowledged that the border dispute with India is intricate and will require time to resolve. Chinese Foreign Minister Mao Ning expressed Beijing's willingness to engage in discussions about delimitation and maintaining peace along the border. This statement was made following remarks by Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh during his meeting with Chinese Defence Minister Dong Jun on June 26, 2025, at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Defence Ministers' conclave in Qingdao.

During their bilateral talks, Singh suggested a structured roadmap for resolving the complex issues between India and China. He emphasised the need to de-escalate tensions along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) and revitalize existing mechanisms for border demarcation. Mao Ning responded to Singh's comments by highlighting that both countries have already established a Special Representatives (SRs) mechanism and agreed on "Political Parameters and Guiding Principles" for a boundary settlement.

Ongoing Dialogue and Communication

Mao Ning noted that despite the complexity of the boundary question, positive progress has been made as both nations have established mechanisms for thorough communication at various levels. She reiterated China's readiness to maintain dialogue with India on issues like delimitation negotiation and border management. Mao emphasised the importance of keeping border areas peaceful while promoting cross-border exchange and cooperation.

The 23rd round of SR-level talks between India's National Security Advisor Ajit Doval and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi took place in December last year. This marked the first engagement since the 2020 border tensions in eastern Ladakh. During this meeting, both sides affirmed their commitment to implementing the October 2024 disengagement agreement, which allowed patrolling and grazing activities in relevant areas.

Efforts to Stabilise Bilateral Ties

In Qingdao, Singh stressed creating "good neighbourly conditions" and called for tangible actions to bridge trust deficits resulting from the 2020 standoff. He also informed Dong about the recent Pahalgam terror attack and India's Operation Sindoor targeting terror networks in Pakistan. When asked about a potential resolution timeline, Mao expressed hope that India would work alongside China to maintain communication on relevant issues, ensuring peace along the border.

The Singh-Dong meeting is viewed as part of ongoing efforts by both nations to reset bilateral relations and stabilise conditions along the LAC in eastern Ladakh after tensions in 2020. Meanwhile, Indian exports such as chili peppers, iron ore, and cotton yarn experienced significant growth in China's market during FY2024, increasing by over 17%, 160%, and 240%, respectively.

Mao Ning reiterated that resolving the boundary issue is complicated but highlighted that mechanisms are already in place for continued dialogue. She stated, "The boundary question is complicated, and it takes time to settle it." Despite delays after 23 rounds of SR-level talks, she remained optimistic about maintaining communication between both countries.