On Thursday, India’s External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar met with his Chinese counterpart, Wang Yi, on the sidelines of the ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meetings in Vientiane. After their discussion, Jaishankar emphasized that the situation at the border between India and China would significantly impact the overall relationship between the two countries.
Jaishankar highlighted the need for China to fully respect the Line of Actual Control (LAC) – the unofficial border between India and China – as well as adhere to past agreements made between the two nations. He took to social media platform X to share his thoughts, stating, “The state of the border will necessarily be reflected on the state of our ties.” This statement underscores India’s stance that border stability is crucial for healthy bilateral relations.
Met with CPC Politburo member and FM 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.
Agreed on the need to give strong guidance to complete the… pic.twitter.com/pZDRio1e94
— Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) July 25, 2024
The meeting between Jaishankar and Wang Yi took place amidst ongoing tensions in eastern Ladakh, where a border dispute has persisted for over four years. Both sides have had multiple confrontations, and the situation remains unresolved.
Jaishankar also mentioned that both countries agreed on the importance of providing clear guidance to complete the disengagement process at the border. He stressed the mutual interest in stabilizing ties and called for addressing immediate issues with a sense of purpose and urgency.
Jaishankar’s visit to Vientiane, from July 25 to 27, includes participation in various ASEAN-related meetings. These include the ASEAN-India, East Asia Summit (EAS), and ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) meetings. His participation highlights India’s strong engagement with ASEAN and its commitment to regional unity and cooperation.
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The Ministry of External Affairs of India emphasized that this visit underscores India’s dedication to the ASEAN-centred regional structure. It also reflects India’s commitment to ASEAN unity, the ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific (AOIP), and advancing the ASEAN-India Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.
Jaishankar’s meeting with Wang Yi and his statements indicate India’s firm stance on border issues and the importance of resolving these matters to improve bilateral relations between India and China.
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