Jaishankar Stresses 'Full Respect' for LAC in Talks with China's Wang Yi

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar emphasised the importance of respecting the Line of Actual Control (LAC) and adhering to past agreements to stabilise relations with China. This was during his meeting with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi in Vientiane, Laos, on the sidelines of the ASEAN meetings.

Jaishankar and Wang discussed the need for strong guidance to complete the disengagement process following the military standoff in eastern Ladakh that began in May 2020. "Met with Communist Party of China Politburo member and Foreign Minister Wang Yi in Vientiane today. Continued our ongoing discussions about our bilateral relationship. The state of the border will necessarily be reflected on the state of our ties," Jaishankar posted on X.

Focus on Bilateral Relations

The Indian minister reiterated that normalcy in India-China relations hinges on peace at the border. The talks come amid a prolonged border dispute in eastern Ladakh, now entering its fifth year. Jaishankar highlighted that as two populous nations and key global economies, stable and forward-looking relations between India and China are crucial for Asia and a multipolar world.

Jaishankar noted, "Our ability to ensure that they are stable and forward-looking is essential both for the prospects of Asia and that of the multipolar world." He also mentioned that both countries have made significant efforts to resolve related issues over the past four years.

Mutual Respect and Sensitivity

During their discussions, both ministers agreed that bilateral ties should be managed through mutual respect, interest, and sensitivity. "Insofar as our bilateral ties are concerned, we also agreed that they are best handled through the approach of three mutuals - mutual respect, mutual interest, and mutual sensitivity," Jaishankar said.

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) stated that this meeting allowed both ministers to review progress since their last meeting in Astana on July 4. They agreed to hold an early meeting of the Working Mechanism on Consultation and Coordination on India-China Border Affairs (WMCC) to advance discussions.

Global and Regional Perspectives

The Chinese foreign ministry highlighted Wang's emphasis on strengthening dialogue and communication between China and India amidst global challenges. Wang stressed enhancing understanding, handling differences properly, and fostering mutually beneficial cooperation.

"Both sides should take responsibility for history, the people, and the world, and rationally transcend contradictions, differences, and frictions to promote the improvement and stable development of China-India relations," Wang stated. He added that China-India relations have significant impacts beyond bilateral scope.

Commitment to Peace

The two ministers agreed on the necessity of maintaining peace along the borders for normal bilateral relations. The MEA noted that both sides must fully abide by relevant agreements, protocols, and understandings reached previously.

Wang expressed hope for both countries to explore ways to get along positively and guide all sectors towards a better understanding of each other. He stressed that returning China-India relations to a positive track is beneficial for both nations and is a common expectation among Global South countries.

The Indian military has been urging China's People's Liberation Army (PLA) to disengage from areas like Depsang and Demchok. Despite 21 rounds of Corps Commander-level talks since May 2020, a full resolution remains elusive. However, both sides have agreed to maintain peace on the ground while continuing communication.

The fierce clash in Galwan Valley in June 2020 significantly strained India-China relations. Since then, both militaries have disengaged from several friction points but have yet to achieve a complete resolution.

Both ministers concluded their meeting by agreeing to work together towards maintaining peace at the borders and promoting progress in border affairs consultations. This commitment aims to stabilise and rebuild bilateral relations between India and China.