Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, recently announced in Delhi, the parameters that need to be bilaterally addressed to ease tensions.
Despite the many outstanding issues, the future nevertheless looks hopeful.
What was the Chinese Statement?
The statement broadly underpinned the Chinese intent and challenges with regard to India.
The Intent - The current efforts in easing tensions are unsatisfactory and a ‘genuine cultivation of mutual trust’ was needed.
India-China relations were at a crucial moment at present and both countries needed to make correct choices regarding the future of their relationship.
Lessons should be learned from Dong Lang (Doklam) and such episodes should be prevented from happening again.
Problems that are leftover from history need to be handled properly without politicizing and complicating them.
The Actionables - Enhancing strategic communications at all levels, restore established dialogue mechanisms was stressed.
The need for deepening practical co-operation in various fields and managing existing differences was voiced.
Also, the benefits that await India, if it were to get on board the ‘Belt and Road Initiative (BRI)’ were emphasised.
What are some current challenges?
Failed Systems - The “dialogue mechanism” set up in 2003 with special representatives (SR) from both sides, has been largely ineffective.
It was formed to eventually delineated boundary along well-defined and easily identifiable natural geographical features.
Also, the Joint Working Group — that was drafting a mutually agreeable Line of Actual Control had failed – leading to a complete stalemate.
Notably, this helped in drawing sample maps in the Middle Sector, but failed to make any progress in the Western and Eastern Sectors.
Even though a military hotline between the two army headquarters had been agreed upon years ago, it has not yet materialised.
Aggression – Both countries have improved their border infrastructure, which will increase the possibilities of troops clashing with each other.
China is opposed to India’s entry into the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG), and is also shielding terrorist operating against India at the UN.
Also, as Doklam is a territory disputed between Bhutan and China, China has been voicing for a bilateral settlement by circumventing Indian involvement.
Chinese penetration in Sri Lanka, Nepal & Maldives, through high profile projects and finances is seen by India as interference in its backyard.
What is the way ahead?
The border issue needs to be dealt appropriately to prevent it from becoming a distraction from other more productive areas of engagement.
Significantly, making provisions to live with an unsettled border for now makes sense, rather than futile efforts to resolve it.
Ensuring sustained goodwill & peace will pave the way for the simultaneous and symbiotic rise of both China & India.
These are prerequisites for a more prosperous century that is touted to become the era of Asian dominance.
