China has acknowledged that the longstanding border dispute with India remains "complicated" and will require time to resolve. However, the Chinese Foreign Ministry expressed readiness to engage in discussions on delimiting the border and maintaining peace in the border areas. This statement came in response to remarks made by Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh during his meeting with Chinese Defence Minister Dong Jun in Qingdao on June 26, 2025, at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Defence Ministers’ conclave. Singh proposed that both nations work towards resolving these complex issues through a structured roadmap, including steps to de-escalate tensions along the Line of Actual Control (LAC).
In response, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning emphasized that both countries have already established the Special Representatives (SRs) mechanism and agreed on "Political Parameters and Guiding Principles" for boundary settlement. She acknowledged that the boundary issue is challenging, requiring time to address despite 23 rounds of SR-level talks. Mao added that the positive aspect of these discussions is the established communication mechanisms that have allowed for thorough dialogue between India and China.
Mao reiterated China’s commitment to maintaining communication with India on boundary management, promoting peaceful conditions along the border, and fostering cross-border exchanges and cooperation. This sentiment was echoed following the 23rd SR-level talks, which took place in December 2024 between India’s National Security Advisor Ajit Doval and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi. These talks marked the first engagement between both sides since the 2020 tensions in eastern Ladakh, where both countries agreed to implement the disengagement agreement in October 2024. This agreement enabled the resumption of patrolling and grazing activities in the relevant border areas.
During the recent Qingdao meeting, Singh stressed the importance of creating good neighbourly conditions and taking concrete action on the ground to bridge the trust deficit caused by the 2020 standoff. He also raised concerns about the recent Pahalgam terror attack and India’s Operation Sindoor targeting terrorist networks in Pakistan.
When asked about a potential timeline for resolving the boundary dispute, Mao reiterated China’s hope for India to work alongside China to ensure peace along the border areas. She emphasized the importance of continued communication between both countries on relevant issues to maintain peaceful conditions in these regions.
This meeting and the discussions are part of broader efforts by both nations to stabilize their bilateral ties and address the situation along the LAC following the 2020 tensions. As both countries strive for a long-term solution, the role of diplomacy and sustained dialogue will be critical in managing this complex and sensitive issue.
