#lac standoff

[jasminewilson143]

India and China Agree on Disengagement and Patrolling Arrangements Along LAC: A Step Towards Border Stability

India and China Agree on Disengagement and Patrolling Arrangements Along LAC: A Step Towards Border Stability In a significant development in India-China relations, the two nations have reached an agreement to disengage their troops and establish new patrolling arrangements along the Line of Actual Control (LAC). This decision, announced by India’s Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri, marks a crucial…

[printscore25]

LAC : Sino India Relationship

Over the past 3 years, the two asian giants are locked in a standoff. The standoff which started with provocative action by PLA led to casualties on both sides. Even after 3 years and 17 rounds of commander level meeting the issue remains unsolved in Debsang Bulge and Demchok.And both sides seem adamant for their part in the negotiations.One point worth discussing is that it's disengagement and moving behind a few kilometres not de-induction.

What is even more interesting is the reason for the entire fiasco by the chinese side. Experts have claimed multiple reasons for the action by the Chinese side.While we keep reading about headlines like it was purely a propaganda coup due to internal problems in china due to covid, some say due to abrogation of Article 370, etc. However, these could have played a part if we look at other aspects for standoff could be India's improved Infrastructure all along the LAC, a growing chinese assertiveness all along the areas of dispute whether be SCS or ECS or spartly islands dispute.Another reason could be to test India's preparedness in case of all out war for Taiwan & India's ability to change status quo of LAC during the taiwan conflict.

Also, at times the newspaper headline flashes with articles "India lost 1000's of sq. km of area."However, if we were to look at the actual ground situation then we could make much more pragmatic analysis of the entire standoff. The standoff resulted in areas of no patrolling which lead to very small pockets of grey areas where the border remains undefined.It is important to note that due to different line of perception, before the standoff both sides had patrolling rights to the current buffer zones created.

However, the bigger points of friction like that of Demchok and Debsang could not be looked through the same prism where line of perception varies vastly.

The chinese side seems to have not gained much strategic advantage with the entire standoff. For them it's a slap on the face as India is neither intimidated nor seems to give in to the pressure tactics. Rather it has led to unprecedented response from the Indian side to deter the PLA.

On the other hand, another interesting aspect is how western countries still have not gotten out of their western centric view assuming India needs their help to tackle the standoff.

Instead the army launched an operation called "Snow Leopard" in response to the unilateral action by china and took chinese by surprise and forced the chinese side for negotiations.

In the last 3 years the Army has inducted state of the art military equipment, has upgraded the existing airfields and the Advanced Landing Ground (ALGs) and built new Helipads, airstrips and improved connectivity with modern infrastructure even in the remotest areas of the Eastern sector.

What lays ahead for both sides is to resolve the remaining disputes and demarcate the boundary as neither has gained much and the entire standoff has resulted in stalemate.

[news365timesindia]

[ad_1] Ahead of meeting National Security Advisor Ajit Doval today, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said that both India and China have agreed to work in bringing the bilateral relationship back to the track of stable development. While addressing the Symposium on the International Situation and China’s Foreign Relations on Tuesday, Wang Yi said that Chinese President Xi Jinping put forth important propositions on improving China-India relations during his meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the BRICS Summit in Kazan, Russia. “China has more trust and less suspicion with major countries in this region. When meeting with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, President Xi Jinping put forth important propositions on improving China- India relations, which received a positive response from Prime Minister Modi,” Wang said. “The two sides agreed to step up strategic communication, safeguard peace and tranquillity in the border areas, and strive to bring the bilateral relationship back to the track of stable development at an early date,” he added. The Chinese Foreign Minister said that Beijing is working with New Delhi to find the right and bright path for big, neighbouring countries to live harmoniously and develop side by side. “China will be a firm force for unity in the face of division and confrontation. We support the holding of the second China-Central Asia Summit and will work for the signing and implementation of the China-ASEAN FTA 3.0 Upgrade Protocol. We have properly handled differences and are working with India to find the right and bright path for big, neighbouring countries to live in harmony and develop side by side,” he said. National Security Advisor Ajit Doval and China’s Minister of Foreign Affairs will hold the 23rd meeting of the Special Representatives (SRs) in Beijing on December 18 with Wang Yi. The two Special Representatives will discuss the management of peace and tranquillity in the border areas and explore a fair, reasonable and mutually acceptable solution to the boundary question, the Ministry of External Affairs stated. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar informed the Parliament last week that the disengagement has been fully achieved in Eastern Ladakh through a step-by-step process, culminating in Depsang and Demchok. He also stressed that maintaining peace and tranquillity in border areas is a prerequisite for developing India-China ties. In October this year, India and China agreed on patrolling arrangements along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in India-China border areas. The border standoff between India and China began in eastern Ladakh along the LAC in 2020 and was sparked by Chinese military actions. It prolonged tensions between the two nations, significantly straining their relations. During the meeting of Prime Minister Modi with Chinese President Xi Jinping on the sidelines of the BRICS Summit held in Russia’s Kazan, PM Modi said that maintaining peace and stability on the border should remain the priority of the two countries and mutual trust should remain the basis of bilateral ties. [ad_2] Source link

[news365times]

[ad_1] Ahead of meeting National Security Advisor Ajit Doval today, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said that both India and China have agreed to work in bringing the bilateral relationship back to the track of stable development. While addressing the Symposium on the International Situation and China’s Foreign Relations on Tuesday, Wang Yi said that Chinese President Xi Jinping put forth important propositions on improving China-India relations during his meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the BRICS Summit in Kazan, Russia. “China has more trust and less suspicion with major countries in this region. When meeting with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, President Xi Jinping put forth important propositions on improving China- India relations, which received a positive response from Prime Minister Modi,” Wang said. “The two sides agreed to step up strategic communication, safeguard peace and tranquillity in the border areas, and strive to bring the bilateral relationship back to the track of stable development at an early date,” he added. The Chinese Foreign Minister said that Beijing is working with New Delhi to find the right and bright path for big, neighbouring countries to live harmoniously and develop side by side. “China will be a firm force for unity in the face of division and confrontation. We support the holding of the second China-Central Asia Summit and will work for the signing and implementation of the China-ASEAN FTA 3.0 Upgrade Protocol. We have properly handled differences and are working with India to find the right and bright path for big, neighbouring countries to live in harmony and develop side by side,” he said. National Security Advisor Ajit Doval and China’s Minister of Foreign Affairs will hold the 23rd meeting of the Special Representatives (SRs) in Beijing on December 18 with Wang Yi. The two Special Representatives will discuss the management of peace and tranquillity in the border areas and explore a fair, reasonable and mutually acceptable solution to the boundary question, the Ministry of External Affairs stated. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar informed the Parliament last week that the disengagement has been fully achieved in Eastern Ladakh through a step-by-step process, culminating in Depsang and Demchok. He also stressed that maintaining peace and tranquillity in border areas is a prerequisite for developing India-China ties. In October this year, India and China agreed on patrolling arrangements along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in India-China border areas. The border standoff between India and China began in eastern Ladakh along the LAC in 2020 and was sparked by Chinese military actions. It prolonged tensions between the two nations, significantly straining their relations. During the meeting of Prime Minister Modi with Chinese President Xi Jinping on the sidelines of the BRICS Summit held in Russia’s Kazan, PM Modi said that maintaining peace and stability on the border should remain the priority of the two countries and mutual trust should remain the basis of bilateral ties. [ad_2] Source link

[odnewsin]

India, China begin troop disengagement at friction points: Sources

New Delhi: India and China have begun troop disengagement at the two friction points at Demchok and Depsang Plains in eastern Ladakh, official sources said Friday. The process follows an agreement firmed up between the two countries on patrolling and disengagement of troops along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in eastern Ladakh, a major breakthrough to end an over four-year standoff. The…

[24x7newsroom]

LAC Tensions Ease with Landmark Deal

The significant agreement reached between India and China this week to resolve one of the longest military standoffs in recent history received formal approval on Wednesday from PM Narendra Modi and President Xi Jinping. This bilateral meeting at the BRICS Summit marked their first encounter in five years, during which they endorsed the deal. According to the Indian side, this endorsement from the highest level is expected to further alleviate tensions along the Line of Actual Control (LAC).

During their 50-minute discussion in Kazan, the leaders agreed to promptly hold Special Representatives (SRs) talks on the India-China boundary issue, which has not occurred since 2019. They emphasized the need to advance relations from a “strategic and long-term perspective,” enhance strategic communication and explore collaborative efforts to tackle developmental challenges.

The Special Representatives, Ajit Doval, and Wang Yi have met multiple times on the sidelines of various multilateral events, including a meeting last month in St. Petersburg, but not within the formal SR talks framework.

In the Indian readout, Modi expressed his support for the agreement concerning complete disengagement and the resolution of issues that emerged in 2020 in eastern Ladakh, which included the deadly Galwan clash that year. He stressed the importance of properly managing differences and disputes to maintain peace and tranquility.

Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri stated that Modi also expressed India’s full support for China’s presidency of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) in 2025. China characterized the meeting as constructive and of great significance. Read More-https://24x7newsroom.com/pm-modi-and-xi-finalize-lac-agreement-committing-to-restore-relations/

[darkmaga-returns]

by Radika | Oct 23, 2024

Ahead of the BRICS summit in Russia, India and China announced an end to the four-year military standoff between the two countries along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in eastern Ladakh. The Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping will have their first official bilateral meeting in five years!

India and China have reached an agreement on patrolling arrangements along the LAC and the border areas. This has led to a disengagement and resolution of the issues that had arisen in these areas in 2020. This breakthrough in the standoff between India and China was made possible by numerous rounds of discussions and dialogue between diplomatic and military negotiators of the two countries.

It must be noted that, in 2012, India and China set up the Working Mechanism for Consultation & Coordination (WMCC) on India-China Border Affairs. It is an official institutional mechanism to resolve border-related disagreements and conflicts through communication and cooperation. The main goal of this framework is to establish peace and tranquility in India-China border areas and to enhance mutual trust and security between the two countries.

Since the inception of the WMCC in 2012, only 14 rounds of discussion had taken place over a period of 8 years until the 2020 unilateral border incursions by China and the subsequent clash that led to loss of lives of soldiers on both sides. But following the Galwan border clash, both India and China made a commitment to not allow differences to become disputes, and to work towards disengaging along the LAC. The two sides agreed to keep all diplomatic and military communication channels open and to participate in discussions and dialogue to reach a solution that is acceptable to both sides so that peace and tranquility can be restored along the border regions.

[jobaaj]

🚨𝐁𝐢𝐠 𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐞 𝐢𝐧 𝐈𝐧𝐝𝐢𝐚-𝐂𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐚 𝐫𝐞𝐥𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬🚨 𝐋𝐀𝐂 𝐰𝐢𝐥𝐥 𝐧𝐨𝐰 𝐛𝐞 𝐩𝐞𝐚𝐜𝐞𝐟𝐮𝐥??😮 🤔 𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭'𝐬 𝐡𝐚𝐩𝐩𝐞𝐧𝐞𝐝?! ✨ There's been a 𝑚𝑎𝑗𝑜𝑟 shift in Indo-Chinese relations! ✨ 📍 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐢𝐬𝐬𝐮𝐞𝐬 𝐫𝐞𝐥𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐭𝐨 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐋𝐢𝐧𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐀𝐜𝐭𝐮𝐚𝐥 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐫𝐨𝐥 (𝐋𝐀𝐂) 𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐧𝐨𝐰 𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐨𝐥𝐯𝐞𝐝, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐝𝐢𝐬𝐞𝐧𝐠𝐚𝐠𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐜𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐢𝐬 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐩𝐥𝐞𝐭𝐞! 🕊️ 💬 According to the latest statement from the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), 🇮🇳 & 🇨🇳 have 𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐜𝐡𝐞𝐝 𝐚𝐧 𝐚𝐠𝐫𝐞𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 on new 𝐩𝐚𝐭𝐫𝐨𝐥𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐚𝐫𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐬 along the LAC after extensive negotiations! 🤝✨ 🧐𝐖𝐡𝐲? - To resolve a 4-year-long border dispute. - The standoff began in 2020 when skirmishes on Pangong Lake and Galwan Valley between troops resulted in casualties on both sides. - That spiked regional tensions and worsened ties between both countries for over 4 years! - According to EAM Jaishankar, India and China have completed the disengagement process and the situation has now returned to what it was before May 2020!! 😲𝐈𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐥𝐲: - Experts believe India should be careful. - China has yet to release its statement and considering its imperialistic and land-grabbing habits, India must stay vigilant. - While some progress has been made in Eastern Ladakh, the situation in Arunachal Pradesh remains dire. ❓𝑾𝒊𝒍𝒍 𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒔 𝒃𝒆 𝒂 𝒍𝒂𝒔𝒕𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒂𝒈𝒓𝒆𝒆𝒎𝒆𝒏𝒕? Follow Jobaaj Stories (the media arm of Jobaaj.com Group for more)

For more updates and insightful stories like this one, follow Jobaaj Stories, the media arm of the Jobaaj Group. We’re dedicated to informing, educating, and inspiring young professionals and students with stories that truly matter. 🌟

[hindustanmorning]

China resolves border standoff with Indian Army in Ladakh

India and China have come to a new agreement on patrolling along the Line of Actual Control (LAC). A statement has been issued by the Ministry of External Affairs regarding this matter. At the same time, China has also made a significant announcement regarding the agreement. China announced on Tuesday that an agreement has been reached on pertinent issues by both parties. As per the news agency…

[global-newz]

India-China Agreement: Key Details on LAC Patrolling and Disengagement

India and China have recently finalized an agreement on patrolling arrangements along the Line of Actual Control (LAC), marking a significant development after a prolonged military standoff in Eastern Ladakh that began in 2020. This breakthrough follows extensive diplomatic and military discussions between the two nations.

Overview of the Agreement

Defence sources revealed to CNN-News18 that the agreement specifically addresses friction points in Depsang, Demchok, and other regions where disengagement has already been initiated. “In recent weeks, Indian and Chinese negotiators have maintained close communication across various platforms. As a result, we have reached an agreement on patrolling arrangements along the LAC, facilitating disengagement and resolving the issues that emerged in 2020,” stated Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri during a press conference on Monday.

While the Ministry of External Affairs has not detailed the specific mechanisms of the agreement, defence officials confirmed it was the result of multiple meetings between diplomats from both sides, with significant involvement from their military counterparts. The discussions included Corps Commanders level talks held in February and consultations within the Working Mechanism for Consultation & Coordination on India-China Border Affairs (WMCC) in August.

Details of Patrolling Arrangements

A senior Ministry of Defence source explained, “Both countries have reached an agreement regarding patrolling, primarily focusing on Depsang and Demchok, which contain over five patrol points. However, the agreement is not restricted to these two areas.” Positive progress is underway, and further plans may emerge following a potential meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping during the BRICS summit.

Disengagement at the Finger Area and Galwan's PP14 occurred two years ago, followed by similar actions at Gogra’s PP17 and Hot Spring’s PP15. Despite these developments, patrolling had remained suspended at these locations. Sources indicate that patrols are set to resume soon at these points, where buffer zones have already been established.

Future Steps and Implications

The implementation of this agreement is still in progress, and further details are anticipated. A defence officer commented, “While immediate troop pullbacks are not expected, the situation is likely to improve over time.” The ongoing collaboration between both sides signifies a mutual commitment to address and resolve border issues, paving the way for a more stable relationship in the future.

In summary, this agreement represents a significant step toward reducing tensions along the LAC and enhancing cooperation between India and China in managing their border disputes.

[code-of-conflict]

The Future of AI and Conflict: Scenarios for India-China Relations

Introduction: AI at the Center of India-China Dynamics

As artificial intelligence (AI) continues to evolve, it is reshaping the geopolitical landscape, particularly in the context of India-China relations. AI offers both unprecedented opportunities for peace and collaboration, as well as heightened risks of conflict. The trajectory of the relationship between these two Asian powers—already marked by border tensions, economic competition, and geopolitical rivalry—could be significantly influenced by their respective advancements in AI. This post explores possible future scenarios where AI could either deepen hostilities or become a cornerstone of peacebuilding between India and China.

Scenario 1: AI as a Tool for Escalating Conflict

In one possible trajectory, AI advancements exacerbate existing tensions between India and China, leading to an arms race in AI-driven military technology. China’s rapid progress in developing AI-enhanced autonomous weaponry, surveillance systems, and cyber capabilities positions it as a formidable military power. If unchecked, this could lead to destabilization in the region, particularly along the disputed Line of Actual Control (LAC). China’s integration of AI into military-civil fusion policies underscores its strategy to use AI across both civilian and military sectors, raising concerns in India and beyond​.

India, in response, may feel compelled to accelerate its own AI-driven defense strategies, potentially leading to an arms race. Although India has made strides in AI research and development, it lacks the scale and speed of China’s AI initiatives. An intensification of AI-related militarization could further deepen the divide between the two nations, reducing opportunities for diplomacy and increasing the risk of miscalculation. Autonomous weapons systems, in particular, could make conflicts more likely, as AI systems operate at speeds beyond human control, leading to unintended escalations.

Scenario 2: AI and Cybersecurity Tensions

Another potential area of conflict lies in the realm of AI-enhanced cyber warfare. China has already demonstrated its capabilities in offensive cyber operations, which have included espionage and cyberattacks on India’s critical infrastructure​. The most notable incidents include cyberattacks during the 2020 border standoff, which targeted Indian power grids and government systems. AI can significantly enhance the efficiency and scale of such attacks, making critical infrastructure more vulnerable to disruption.

In the absence of effective AI-based defenses, India’s cybersecurity could be a significant point of vulnerability, further fueling distrust between the two nations. AI could also be used for disinformation campaigns and psychological warfare, with the potential to manipulate public opinion and destabilize political systems in both countries. In this scenario, AI becomes a double-edged sword, increasing not only the technological capabilities of both nations but also the likelihood of conflict erupting in cyberspace​.

Scenario 3: AI as a Catalyst for Diplomatic Cooperation

However, AI also holds the potential to be a catalyst for peace if both India and China recognize the mutual benefits of collaboration. AI can be harnessed to improve conflict prevention through early warning systems that monitor border activities and detect escalations before they spiral out of control. By developing shared AI-driven monitoring platforms, both nations could enhance transparency along contested borders like the LAC, reducing the chances of accidental skirmishes​.

Moreover, AI can facilitate dialogue on broader issues like disaster management and environmental protection, areas where both India and China share common interests. Climate change, for instance, poses a significant threat to both countries, and AI-driven solutions can help manage water resources, predict natural disasters, and optimize agricultural productivity. A collaborative framework for AI in these non-military domains could serve as a confidence-building measure, paving the way for deeper cooperation on security issues​.

Scenario 4: AI Governance and the Path to Peace

A more optimistic scenario involves India and China working together to establish international norms and governance frameworks for the ethical use of AI. Both nations are increasingly involved in global AI governance discussions, though their approaches differ. China, while focusing on strategic dominance, is also participating in international forums like the ISO to shape AI standards. India, on the other hand, advocates for responsible and inclusive AI, emphasizing transparency and ethical considerations​.

A shared commitment to creating ethical AI frameworks, particularly in the military sphere, could prevent AI from becoming a destabilizing force. India and China could jointly advocate for global agreements on the regulation of lethal autonomous weapons systems (LAWS) and AI-enhanced cyber warfare, reducing the risk of unchecked AI proliferation. By working together on AI governance, both nations could shift the narrative from AI as a tool for conflict to AI as a force for global peace and stability.

Conclusion: The Crossroads of AI and India-China Relations

The future of India-China relations in the AI age is uncertain, with both risks and opportunities on the horizon. While AI could exacerbate existing tensions by fueling an arms race and increasing cyber vulnerabilities, it also offers unprecedented opportunities for conflict prevention and cooperation. The direction that India and China take will depend on their willingness to engage in dialogue, establish trust, and commit to ethical AI governance. As the world stands on the brink of a new era in AI-driven geopolitics, India and China must choose whether AI will divide them further or bring them closer together in pursuit of peace.

[uniqueeval]

The Hindu Morning Digest: August 30, 2024

People Liberation Army (PLA) soldiers and tanks during military disengagement along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) at the India-China border in Ladakh. | Photo Credit: AFP India, China hold 31st border affairs meeting to resolve standoff at LAC India and China had a “frank, constructive and forward-looking exchange of views” on the situation along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) to “narrow…

[news365timesindia]

[ad_1] National Security Advisor Ajit Doval will likely visit China soon for Special Representative talks, according to sources. NSA Doval’s likely visit to China comes after New Delhi and Beijing in October reached an agreement regarding patrolling arrangements along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in the India-China border areas. The border standoff between India and China began in eastern Ladakh along the LAC in 2020 and was sparked by Chinese military actions. It prolonged tensions between the two nations, significantly straining their relations. Earlier in 2020, the Special Representatives of India and China on the Boundary Question, Ajit Doval and Wang Yi, State Councillor and Minister of Foreign Affairs of China, held a telephone conversation, according to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA). The two Special Representatives had a “frank and in-depth exchange of views” on the recent developments in the Western Sector of the India-China border areas. The 22nd meeting of India and China Special Representatives was held in New Delhi on December 21, 2019. NSA Ajit Doval led the Indian side, while Wang Yi led the Chinese delegation, according to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA). On December 3, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said India remains “committed to engaging with China through bilateral discussions to arrive at a fair, reasonable and mutually acceptable framework for a boundary settlement.” He said that in his recent meeting with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, an understanding was reached that the Special Representatives and the Foreign Secretary level mechanisms will be convening soon. Briefing the Lok Sabha on India-China ties as well as disengagement at the Line of Actual Control (LAC), Jaishakar said that bilateral ties between the two countries have been “abnormal” since 2020 when “peace and tranquillity in the border areas were disturbed as a result of Chinese actions.” “Recent developments that reflect our continuous diplomatic engagement since then have set our ties in the direction of some improvement,” he said. In his speech in Lok Sabha, he shared with members the expectations regarding the direction of ties with China in the near future. “Our relationship had progressed in many domains, but was obviously negatively affected by recent events. We are clear that the maintenance of peace and tranquillity in border areas is a prerequisite for the development of our ties. In the coming days, we will be discussing both de-escalation as well as effective management of our activities in the border areas,” Jaishankar said. The External Affairs Minister said, “The conclusion of the disengagement phase now allows us to consider other aspects of our bilateral engagement in a calibrated manner, keeping our national security interests first and foremost.” Jaishankar said, “The immediate priority was to ensure disengagement from friction points so there would be no further untoward incidents or clashes. This has been fully achieved. The next priority will be to consider de-escalation, which would address the massing of troops along the LAC with associated accompaniments.” He also recalled the 2020 face-offs between Indian and Chinese forces along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in eastern Ladakh. Earlier in November, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh met his counterpart Admiral Dong Jun in Laos, where he emphasised that India-China needs to move from disengagement to de-escalation to build trust and confidence further. This was the first meeting of Defence Ministers following the recent disengagement agreements and the meeting of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping on the sidelines of the BRICS Summit in Russia’s Kazan. [ad_2] Source link

[news365times]

[ad_1] National Security Advisor Ajit Doval will likely visit China soon for Special Representative talks, according to sources. NSA Doval’s likely visit to China comes after New Delhi and Beijing in October reached an agreement regarding patrolling arrangements along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in the India-China border areas. The border standoff between India and China began in eastern Ladakh along the LAC in 2020 and was sparked by Chinese military actions. It prolonged tensions between the two nations, significantly straining their relations. Earlier in 2020, the Special Representatives of India and China on the Boundary Question, Ajit Doval and Wang Yi, State Councillor and Minister of Foreign Affairs of China, held a telephone conversation, according to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA). The two Special Representatives had a “frank and in-depth exchange of views” on the recent developments in the Western Sector of the India-China border areas. The 22nd meeting of India and China Special Representatives was held in New Delhi on December 21, 2019. NSA Ajit Doval led the Indian side, while Wang Yi led the Chinese delegation, according to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA). On December 3, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said India remains “committed to engaging with China through bilateral discussions to arrive at a fair, reasonable and mutually acceptable framework for a boundary settlement.” He said that in his recent meeting with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, an understanding was reached that the Special Representatives and the Foreign Secretary level mechanisms will be convening soon. Briefing the Lok Sabha on India-China ties as well as disengagement at the Line of Actual Control (LAC), Jaishakar said that bilateral ties between the two countries have been “abnormal” since 2020 when “peace and tranquillity in the border areas were disturbed as a result of Chinese actions.” “Recent developments that reflect our continuous diplomatic engagement since then have set our ties in the direction of some improvement,” he said. In his speech in Lok Sabha, he shared with members the expectations regarding the direction of ties with China in the near future. “Our relationship had progressed in many domains, but was obviously negatively affected by recent events. We are clear that the maintenance of peace and tranquillity in border areas is a prerequisite for the development of our ties. In the coming days, we will be discussing both de-escalation as well as effective management of our activities in the border areas,” Jaishankar said. The External Affairs Minister said, “The conclusion of the disengagement phase now allows us to consider other aspects of our bilateral engagement in a calibrated manner, keeping our national security interests first and foremost.” Jaishankar said, “The immediate priority was to ensure disengagement from friction points so there would be no further untoward incidents or clashes. This has been fully achieved. The next priority will be to consider de-escalation, which would address the massing of troops along the LAC with associated accompaniments.” He also recalled the 2020 face-offs between Indian and Chinese forces along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in eastern Ladakh. Earlier in November, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh met his counterpart Admiral Dong Jun in Laos, where he emphasised that India-China needs to move from disengagement to de-escalation to build trust and confidence further. This was the first meeting of Defence Ministers following the recent disengagement agreements and the meeting of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping on the sidelines of the BRICS Summit in Russia’s Kazan. [ad_2] Source link

[news-venue]

LAC situation 'generally stable', take long-term view: Chinese defence minister to Rajnath

China's defence ministry on Friday said the situation at the border is “generally stable” amid border row with India. The two sides should take a long-term view, China's Defence Minister General Li Shangfu told his Indian counterpart Rajnath Singh.

A day after India gave a strong response to China saying that the violation of the border pacts has "eroded" the entire basis of bilateral ties, China's defence ministry on Friday said the situation at the border is “generally stable”. Both sides should put the boundary issue in an “appropriate position” and promote its transition to “normalised management”, China's defence ministry said.

China's defence minister told his Indian counterpart Rajnath Singh that "it is hoped that the two sides will work together to continuously enhance mutual trust between the two militaries".

The statement of the Chinese defence minister, General Li Shangfu, came a day after he held a meeting with his Indian counterpart, Rajnath Singh, where the latter reiterated that violation of existing agreements has eroded the entire basis of bilateral relations and disengagement at the border would logically be followed with de-escalation.

A Chinese Defence Ministry statement issued on Friday said that during the meeting the two sides exchanged views on militaries and bilateral relations, PTI reported.

On Thursday, General Li Shangfu held a 45-minute long meeting with Rajnath Singh on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) defence ministers' meeting. This is Chinese Defence Minister Li Shangfu's first visit to Delhi since the Galwan Valley clashes in 2020.

TWO SIDES SHOULD TAKE LONG-TERM VIEW

General Li Shangfu pointed out that “currently, the situation on the China-India border is generally stable and the two sides have maintained communication through military and diplomatic channels”.

“The two sides should take a long-term view, place the border issue in an appropriate position in bilateral relations, and promote the transition of the border situation to normalised management,” he was quoted as saying by the PTI.

“It is hoped that the two sides will work together to continuously enhance mutual trust between the two militaries and make proper contributions to the development of bilateral relations,” Li told his Indian counterpart Rajnath Singh.

WHAT DID INDIA SAY AFTER THE MEETING?

Meanwhile, India, in reference to a 3-year-old standoff along with their disputed border in Ladakh, said China had eroded the “entire basis” of ties between the countries by flouting bilateral agreements.

A communique released after the meeting read: "The Raksha Mantri categorically conveyed that development of relations between India and China is premised on the prevalence of peace and tranquillity at the borders".

"He added that all issues at the LAC need to be resolved in accordance with existing bilateral agreements and commitments. He reiterated that violation of existing agreements has eroded the entire basis of bilateral relations and disengagement at the border will logically be followed with de-escalation," the statement added.

Last week, India and China held the 18th round of Corps Commander-level talks at the Chushul-Moldo meeting point in eastern Ladakh. The two sides discussed confidence-building measures and ways to avoid confrontation at the borders in the coming months.

The SCO is an influential economic and security bloc and has emerged as one of the largest trans regional international organisations. The SCO was founded at a summit in Shanghai in 2001 by the presidents of Russia, China, the Kyrgyz Republic, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan. India and Pakistan became permanent members in 2017.

[baitdragon]

India rejects China’s renaming of 11 locations in Arunachal Pradesh

The external affairs ministry said such steps will not alter the reality that the northeastern state is an integral part of the country

India on Tuesday rejected China’s move to rename 11 location in Arunavhal Pradesh, which Beijing claims as South Tibet, with the external affairs ministry saying such steps will not alter the reality that the northeastern state is an integral part of the country.

The renaming of the 11 places in Arunachal Pradesh by China’s civil affairs ministry came at a time when the two countries are witnessing the worst bilateral in their relations in six decades because of the military standoff in Ladakh sector of the Line of Actual Control (LAC).

This was the third time China has unilaterally renamed places in Arunachal Pradesh, after changing the names of six locations in April 2017 and 15 more locations in December 2021.

Responding to the latest renaming of places in Arunachal Pradesh, external affairs ministry spokesperson Arindam Bagchi said: “We have seen such reports. This is not the first time China has made such an attempt. We reject this outright.”

He added, “Arunachal Pradesh is, has been, and will always be an integral and inalienable part of India. Attempts to assign invented names will not alter this reality.”

In the past too, India had promptly rejected such renaming of places in Arunachal Pradesh and reiterated that the northeastern state is an integral and inseparable part of the country.

A brief statement issued on Sunday by China’s civil affairs ministry said: “According to the relevant regulations of the State Council (China’s cabinet) on the management of geographical names, our ministry, together with relevant departments, has standardised some geographical names in southern Tibet.”

State-run tabloid Global Times reported on Monday that the civil affairs ministry gave coordinates of the places that were renamed, including two land areas, two residential areas, five mountain peaks and two rivers. “It listed the category of places’ names and their subordinate administrative districts,” the report said.

China’s state media quoted Zhang Yongpan, from the Institute of Chinese Borderland Studies under the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, as saying that the move to standardise names “falls within China’s sovereignty”.