China, India Resume Border Talks

Jan. 8 – India’s External Affairs Minister S.M. Krishna said prior to bilateral discussions with China that he is hoping for an amicable settlement of existing border disputes through dialogue.

“We have a long border with China and talks are being held between the Special Representatives. We are looking forward to an amicable settlement,” he was quoted as saying by The Hindu. The complicated border issue is being handled by seasoned diplomats proficient in issues relating to national security on both sides.

Previous dialogue with China had maintained peace and tranquility on the border for more than over two decades with measures to reduce or eliminate the perception of threat having worked well.

He said: “Let me reiterate that India does not view China or its development as a threat. That said, however, we recognize that cooperation and competition can overlap, as it is not possible to have a perfect congruence of interests between two nations as vast and diverse as India and China.”

“Such competition or lack of cooperation must not be misunderstood as antagonism. Our differences, when they exist, must be handled with dialogue and diplomacy. As the border is not marked, both sides go by perceptions. And there are differences in this,” he added.

The talks are part of an ongoing series of exchanges designed to finally agree of border demarcation issues, and have been progressing since August 2009 following a year’s hiatus. It is expected behind the scenes discussions will also focus on the future of the Tibetan government in exile based in Dharamsala once the Dalai Lama dies, a situation that China considers subversive.

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