India and China to discuss boundary issues during NSA Ajit Doval’s visit to Beijing

Beijing, August 24
National Security Advisor Ajit Doval arrived in Beijing today on a two-day visit to China. During his visit, Mr Doval will take part in the 25th round of Special Representatives talks between the two countries on the boundary issue with his Chinese counterpart and Foreign Minister Wang Yi scheduled to be held in Beijing tomorrow.

Announcing the Special Representatives talks at a media briefing today, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian said, Mr Doval and Mr Wang will have an in-depth discussion on the boundary issue as well as other bilateral, regional and international relations.

The ties between New Delhi and Beijing came under severe strain after the 2020 Galwan Valley clash and the prolonged military stand-off in eastern Ladakh. But both sides have since taken steps to stabilise relations.

Mr Doval and Mr Wang are the designated Special Representatives for the boundary talks mechanism, which was established in 2003 to comprehensively address the boundary dispute of the India-China border spanning over three thousand four hundred kilometers.

Ahead of Special Representatives talks in Beijing, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Saturday reiterated that peace and tranquillity along the border areas are a prerequisite for good relations with China.

During his visit, the National Security Advisor will call on China’s Vice President Han Zheng.