UPDATE - India says border tensions 'eroded entire basis' of bilateral ties with China

UPDATES WITH STATEMENT FROM CHINA, CHANGES DECK

By Riyaz ul Khaliq

ANKARA / ISTANBUL (AA) – As a military standoff along the border still persists, India on Thursday told China that border tensions has “eroded the entire basis” of bilateral relations between the two Asian neighbors.

China, however, said the situation along the border was “stable,” urging New Delhi to take “a long-term view” of bilateral relations and “place the border issue in an appropriate position.”

Indian Defense Minister Rajnath Singh and his Chinese counterpart Li Shangfu held a meeting in New Delhi, as they had “frank discussions about the developments in the India-China border areas as well as bilateral relations,” said a press release by the Indian Defense Ministry.

Li is in New Delhi to attend the security summit of Shanghai Cooperation Organization’s (SCO) defense ministers in New Delhi on Friday.

Singh “categorically conveyed that development of relations between India and China is premised on prevalence of peace and tranquility at the borders,” the statement also said.

“He added that all issues at the LAC (Line of Actual Control) need to be resolved in accordance with existing bilateral agreements and commitments,” the ministry added.

It is the first visit of the Chinese defense minister to India since a deadly clash between the two militaries in 2020 along the LAC, a de facto border line between the two nations in the Ladakh region of the disputed Jammu and Kashmir region.

At least 24 soldiers, 20 from the Indian side, were killed when the two militaries fought, without firearms, at the LAC in June 2020. The standoff, which began in May 2020, continues.

The last time China’s defense chief visited India was in August 2018, when Li’s predecessor General Wei Fenghe paid a four-day visit to New Delhi.

Singh, the ministry said, on Thursday reiterated “that violation of existing agreements has eroded the entire basis of bilateral relations and disengagement at the border will logically be followed with de-escalation.”

According to a statement by China’s Defense Ministry released Friday, Shangfu told Singh: “As major neighboring countries and important developing countries, China and India share far more common interests than differences.”

“The two sides should view bilateral relations and each other’s development from a comprehensive, long-term and strategic perspective, and jointly contribute wisdom and strength to world and regional peace and stability,” said the Chinese defense chief.

It is Shangfu’s second overseas trip ever since being promoted to top position last month. He visited Russia earlier this month.

The Chinese defense chief said the situation on the China-India border currently was “generally stable,” as the two sides have maintained communication through military and diplomatic channels.

“The two sides should take a long-term view, place the border issue in an appropriate position in bilateral relations, and promote the transition of the border situation to normalized management,” Shangfu told his Indian counterpart.

“It is hoped that the two sides will work together to continuously enhance mutual trust between the two militaries and make proper contributions to the development of bilateral relations,” he added.

Singh also held separate bilateral meetings with defense ministers of Kazakhstan, Tajikistan and Iran in New Delhi.