(Fang Tian-tsu, Associate Professor, Center for General Education, National Tsing Hua University, and President of the Taiwan India Research Association)
The 23rd meeting of the “Special Representatives on the Border Issue” between China and India took place in Beijing on December 18, 2024. China was represented by Wang Yi, Director of the Central Foreign Affairs Office and Foreign Minister, who is also a member of the Politburo. India was represented by National Security Advisor Ajit Doval. The Special Representatives mechanism, established in 2003, differs from the earlier “Joint Working Group” model by aiming to elevate the level of dialogue between the two nations.
This meeting marked the highest-level talks between the two countries in five years and followed agreements made at the BRICS summit held in Kazan, Russia, in October 2024. It was an effort to alleviate tensions stemming from the deadly border clashes in 2020. Doval’s visit also marked the first time a senior Indian official traveled to China since the 2020 conflict. The primary focus of the talks was to stabilize and improve the border situation, symbolizing a step toward normalizing bilateral relations.
Despite these efforts, subtle differences in positions between the two sides quickly became apparent. Notably, no joint statement was issued after the meeting. Instead, both nations released separate summaries. The Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs emphasized that six points of consensus were reached, whereas India’s statement made no reference to such consensus, characterizing the Chinese claims as merely topics of discussion.
A detailed comparison of the statements highlights differing perceptions of the border issue. China’s statement stressed that both nations agreed to address border issues within the broader framework of bilateral relations, ensuring disputes would not hinder overall ties. In contrast, India’s statement emphasized maintaining peace and tranquility along the border as a prerequisite for improving bilateral relations. Another significant discrepancy lay in references to past agreements. China’s statement reaffirmed adherence to the 2005 Political Parameters and Guiding Principles Agreement, which advocates resolving border issues with a comprehensive approach and prioritizing the broader bilateral relationship. However, India’s statement made no mention of this agreement.
These differences reflect fundamental gaps in how the two sides view the border issue. Following the 2020 clashes, China has sought to compartmentalize the dispute, urging India to prioritize broader relations and isolate the border issue. India, on the other hand, insists that resolving border disputes is a prerequisite for normalizing relations. This divergence encapsulates the broader dynamics of the past four years, where China views the border as one issue among many, while India sees it as a critical security concern that must be addressed first.
Nonetheless, some concrete agreements were achieved. Both sides affirmed the implementation of troop withdrawal and patrolling agreements reached in October 2024. They also agreed to reopen pilgrimage routes for Indian devotees to Mount Kailash and Lake Mansarovar in Tibet, resume border trade via the Nathu La Pass, and share hydrological data on transboundary rivers. Moreover, the two nations committed to continued diplomatic and military coordination, planning further confidence-building measures along the border, and agreed to hold another round of talks in India next year.
In summary, while the meeting showcased efforts to normalize relations, the absence of a joint statement revealed persistent mistrust and differing priorities. However, given the geopolitical and economic challenges facing both nations, they appear willing to set aside past grievances and focus on pragmatic cooperation. Diplomatic engagement is likely to continue as both sides prioritize risk management over confrontation.
A key takeaway from the meeting was a shared recognition of the global significance of stable China-India relations. Both countries acknowledged that predictable and amicable ties are crucial for regional and global peace and prosperity. As the two most populous countries in the world, China and India have a unique responsibility in contributing to regional stability and global development. With Donald Trump poised to return as U.S. President, adding uncertainty to global dynamics, the trajectory of China-India relations will play a pivotal role in shaping the international order.
(Translated to English by Chen Cheng-Yi)