China makes significant progress in resolving border dispute with India.

Recently, Prime Minister Modi’s interview with Newsweek magazine has prompted reactions from China for the second time in as many days. In the interview, PM Modi expressed hope for constructive engagement between India and China to restore and maintain peace at their borders through diplomatic and military channels. China’s spokesperson, Ms Mao, stated that both countries are in close communication to address border issues and have made positive progress.

She emphasized the importance of a stable relationship between China and India for the benefit of both nations and the region. On the Indian side, PM Modi highlighted the urgency to address the prolonged border situation for the normalization of bilateral interactions. The relationship between India and China has remained strained since the border standoff in eastern Ladakh in May 2020.

Despite 21 rounds of corps commander-level talks, the situation has not fully eased. PM Modi stressed the significance of stable and peaceful relations between the two countries for the entire region and the world. Responding to PM Modi’s interview, Ms Mao reiterated China’s stance that the boundary question does not define the entirety of the China-India relationship and should be managed appropriately in bilateral ties.

She also emphasized the need for strategic trust-building and dialogue to stabilize the relationship. According to the Chinese military, both sides have agreed to disengage from certain points, but India continues to press for further disengagement in other areas to restore normalcy in the relationship. The complexity of the border situation remains a significant hurdle to the normalization of relations between the two countries.