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China Confirms Agreement with India on Disputed Himalayan Border
China has confirmed reaching a deal with India regarding their disputed border in the Himalayan region. This comes after India announced an agreement for military patrols along the frontier, signaling a potential de-escalation of tensions.
ND
by News Desk
2024-10-22
China Confirms Agreement with India on Disputed Himalayan Border

China has confirmed an agreement with India regarding their long-disputed border in the Himalayan region. This announcement follows India’s declaration that it had reached an understanding with Beijing to facilitate military patrols along the frontier, signaling a potential resolution to ongoing tensions.

 

The announcement made on Tuesday did not clarify whether the agreement encompasses the entire length of the border or is limited to specific points where both nations have faced standoffs since 2020. Relations between the two nuclear-armed neighbors have been strained since deadly clashes in 2020, which resulted in the deaths of 20 Indian soldiers and four Chinese soldiers in the Ladakh region.

 

Since those skirmishes, both India and China have pulled back tens of thousands of troops and established an informal agreement to avoid patrols in a narrow strip surrounding the Line of Actual Control (LAC). This line serves as the unofficial boundary, stretching approximately 3,488 km (2,167 miles) across the Himalayas. China’s claims to this region differ significantly from India's, especially regarding the eastern state of Arunachal Pradesh, which China considers part of Tibet.

 

Historically, the border has been a contentious issue, exemplified by the 1962 war when Chinese troops crossed into Indian territory over demarcation disputes, leading to China's control over the strategically significant Aksai Chin corridor.

 

Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesman Lin Jian noted that both countries have maintained close communication through diplomatic and military channels concerning border issues. He expressed optimism about the resolution, stating that China views the development positively.

 

On Monday, India’s Minister of External Affairs, Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, confirmed that the agreement would help restore peace and tranquility along the border, reminiscent of the conditions prior to 2020.

 

While both nations have made strides towards easing tensions, specifics regarding the implementation of the agreement remain unclear. The timing of the announcement coincides with the upcoming BRICS summit in Kazan, Russia, where Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping are expected to be present. However, Lin declined to confirm whether the two leaders would meet during the summit, stating that details would be released in due course.

 
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india

China

Geopolitics

BRICSSummit

BorderAgreement

Himalayas
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