China says ‘complicated’ boundary dispute with India will take time to resolve

ISTANBUL

China said Monday that its long-running boundary dispute with India is “complicated” and will take time to resolve while reaffirming its commitment to existing diplomatic communication mechanisms.

Responding to recent remarks by Indian Defense Minister Rajnath Singh, who called for a structured roadmap to de-escalate tensions and find a permanent border solution, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning said that Beijing was open to continued dialogue.

“The boundary question is complicated, and it takes time to settle it,” Mao said during a regular press conference in Beijing.

Singh met with Chinese Defense Minister Dong Jun last week in the eastern city of Qingdao.

“The positive side is that the two countries have already established mechanisms at various levels for thorough communication,” Mao added.

The two countries have been embroiled in a longstanding border dispute in the Ladakh region of disputed Jammu and Kashmir.

Mao reiterated that both countries have in place a special representatives mechanism and agreement on the political parameters and guiding principles for the settlement of the China-India boundary question.

“China stands ready to maintain communication with India on issues including delimitation negotiation and border management, jointly keep the border areas peaceful and tranquil, and promote cross-border exchange and cooperation,” she said.

“We hope that India will work with China in the same direction, continue to stay in communication on relevant issues and jointly keep the border areas peaceful and tranquil,” Mao added.

India has yet to respond to China’s latest assertions.