China and India Discuss Path to Resolve Complex Border Dispute, Emphasize Peaceful Dialogue

China and India held high-level talks in Qingdao to address their complex border dispute. Chinese officials acknowledged the issue’s intricacy but expressed readiness for dialogue on delimitation and peace. India’s Defence Minister Rajnath Singh proposed a roadmap for de-escalation and trust-building. Both sides emphasized mechanisms like the Special Representatives (SRs) framework to resolve tensions. Singh also highlighted regional security concerns, including counter-terrorism efforts. While challenges persist, the discussions reflect cautious optimism towards peace and stability along the Line of Actual Control (LAC).

In a significant development, China has acknowledged that its long-standing boundary dispute with India is a complex issue that will require time to resolve. However, Beijing has expressed its willingness to engage in negotiations aimed at delimiting the border and maintaining peace in the disputed areas. The remarks were made on Monday, June 30, 2025, by Chinese officials following a high-level meeting between the defense ministers of both nations.

During his visit to Qingdao, India’s Defence Minister Rajnath Singh met with his Chinese counterpart, Dong Jun, on June 26. Their bilateral talks took place on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) conclave, with a primary focus on ensuring stability along the Line of Actual Control (LAC). Mr. Singh proposed a structured roadmap to address the contentious border issues, emphasizing the need for de-escalation measures and revitalizing existing mechanisms for border demarcation.

China's Perspective on the Border Issue

When asked about Mr. Singh’s proposals, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning reiterated the intricate nature of the boundary question. She highlighted the establishment of the Special Representatives (SRs) mechanism, which has been tasked with addressing the border dispute. The mechanism, along with the Agreement on Political Parameters and Guiding Principles, forms the foundation for resolving the issue.

“China and India have maintained diplomatic and military communication channels at various levels,” Mao stated. “We are ready to engage in discussions on delimitation negotiations and border management while ensuring peace and stability in the border regions. We also aim to foster cross-border exchange and cooperation.”

While acknowledging the prolonged nature of the discussions—spanning 23 rounds of SR-level talks—Mao emphasized the importance of continued dialogue, urging India to work collaboratively with China to maintain tranquillity along the frontier.

Progress in Bilateral Talks

The 23rd round of SR-level talks, held in December 2024, marked a pivotal moment in the India-China dialogue. It was the first such meeting since the 2020 military standoff in eastern Ladakh. During this meeting, both sides affirmed the implementation of disengagement agreements, allowing for resumed patrolling and grazing activities in certain areas.

In Qingdao, Mr. Singh underscored the importance of creating “good neighborly conditions” to rebuild trust and achieve mutual benefits. He emphasized the need for tangible actions on the ground to address the trust deficit stemming from the 2020 border tensions.

Broader Security Concerns

Apart from the boundary discussions, Mr. Singh raised concerns about regional security. He briefed his Chinese counterpart on the recent Pahalgam terror attack in India and highlighted Operation Sindoor, a counter-terrorism initiative targeting networks operating in Pakistan. He called for collective efforts to combat terrorism, stressing its critical importance for regional safety and stability.

Moving Towards a Reset

The Singh-Dong meeting comes as both nations strive to reset their strained ties. An understanding reached in October 2024 to end the military standoff in eastern Ladakh has set the stage for these renewed efforts. While challenges remain, the willingness of both sides to engage in dialogue and maintain peace along the LAC signals a cautious yet positive step forward in India-China relations.

As the two Asian giants navigate this complex geopolitical landscape, the focus remains on sustained communication, mutual cooperation, and trust-building measures to achieve a lasting resolution to their border dispute.