China: “Ready to act on common ground between PM Modi and Xi Jinping”

China expressed its readiness to implement the key agreements reached between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Xi Jinping during their recent meeting at the BRICS summit. This comes after a period of strained relations due to the military standoff in Eastern Ladakh, which lasted for over four years.

In a media briefing on Monday, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Lin Jian confirmed that China is prepared to work with India to deliver on the common understandings between the two leaders. Lin emphasized the importance of enhancing communication and cooperation to build strategic mutual trust. However, he did not provide specifics on any upcoming meetings between the two leaders, particularly regarding the G20 summit in Brazil.

During their nearly 50-minute meeting at the BRICS summit in Kazan, both leaders discussed the agreement on patrolling and disengagement along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in Ladakh. They also agreed to revive bilateral dialogue mechanisms to normalize ties that had been disrupted by a deadly military clash in 2020. Modi stressed the need to handle differences with care, ensuring that disputes do not disturb peace along the border. He highlighted the importance of mutual trust, respect, and sensitivity in relations.

Xi Jinping reinforced the idea that China-India relations depend on how the two neighboring nations, both with populations of 1.4 billion, treat each other. He called for maintaining a positive strategic perception and working together for mutual harmony and growth.

The ties between India and China suffered a significant blow after the Galwan Valley clash in June 2020, marking the most intense military conflict in decades. However, in October 2023, the two countries reached a breakthrough with an agreement on patrolling and disengagement along the LAC, bringing an end to the standoff.

Both leaders also directed their Special Representatives to meet soon and continue efforts to address boundary issues. India’s NSA Ajit Doval and China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi lead these talks, which began in 2003. The most recent round of discussions was held in 2019.