China pitches for early boundary settlement with India

China has pitched for an early settlement of the boundary dispute with India, saying it will effectively remove the “obstacles” in the way of improving bilateral ties.

Beijing’s comments came soon after the 18^th round of talk between special representatives of India and China ended in New Delhi on a positive note.

India’s National Security Advisor Ajit Doval and China’s State Councilor Yang Jiechi met in New Delhi on March 23 & 24and discussed not only the way ahead for resolving the boundary question, but also firmed up a tentative agenda for Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to China in May. Both sides reviewed the past achievements and spoke high of the progress that has been achieved, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Hua Chunying told reporters in Beijing on March 24.

“I want to emphasise that the early settlement of the boundary issue is in the fundamental interest of the two countries. It is also an effective way to remove obstacles getting in the way of bilateral ties,” Hua said while answering to a question on whether any progress was made in the just concluded boundary talks between the two sides.

“But the boundary question is a problem left over from history. It is very complicated. Luckily with the concerted efforts of the two countries we have made positive achievements. That is why we emphasise that we follow the right path based on past achievements to press ahead with the framework negotiations,” the spokesperson said.

Hua said, “during their talks, both Doval and Yang have agreed to bear in mind the national interests and benefits of the two countries, follow the right path and press ahead with the framework negotiations. They also stated that pending the final settlement of the boundary question, we will also make efforts to safeguard the peace and tranquility of the border area.”

“We are willing to work with the Indian side to make more progress in this regard,” said the Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson.

She underlined that India and China agreed that as the important neighbors to each other and the two biggest developing counties and emerging markets in the world, the relationship has a bearing on benefits of two peoples and also influences the stability of the peace in the region.

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