China and India have the "capacity and willingness to properly solve relevant issues through negotiation and consultation", China's Foreign Ministry spokesperson Hua Chunying was cited as saying on Monday, 8 June, two days after the meeting between military commanders of the two countries to mitigate the border standoff.
"Border areas situation were discussed during the meeting b/t Chinese & Indian military officials on 6 June. #China & #India have maintained close communication on resolving border issues through diplomatic & military channels," Chinese Ambassador to India Sun Weidong quoted Hua Chunying as saying.
"Hua stressed China & India agreed to implement important consensus reached by leaders, not to turn differences into disputes, work together to maintain peace & tranquility in border areas, so as to create a favorable atmosphere for stable development of bilateral relations... (She) said that the overall situation in the border areas is generally stable and under control," the Chinese ambassador wrote in a series of tweets.
Rajnath Meets CDS Rawat, 3 Service Chiefs
Meanwhile, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh met Chief of Defence Staff General Bipin Rawat and the three service chiefs on Monday to review the stand-off situation at the LAC, and was briefed about the discussion that took place during the meeting of military officials on Saturday, news agency IANS reported.
"The meeting with the defence minister was called for an assessment on the talks and future strategy as the army prepares for a long haul," a source was quoted as saying.
What Did the MEA Say?
Earlier on Sunday, India's Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) had said that the military talks between the two countries took place in a "cordial and peaceful atmosphere".
"Both sides agreed to peacefully resolve the situation in border areas in accordance with various bilateral agreements and keeping in view the agreement between the leaders that peace and tranquility in the India-China border regions is essential for overall development of bilateral relations," the MEA was quoted as saying.
"The two sides will continue the military and diplomatic engagements to resolve the situation, and to ensure peace and tranquillity in the border areas... Both sides also noted that this year marked the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries and agreed that an early resolution would contribute to the further development of the relationship," it added, hours after the meeting between the Corps Commander based in Leh and the Chinese Commander on Saturday in the Chushul-Moldo region.
The Indian delegation for the meeting on Saturday had included 14 Corps Commander Lieutenant General Harinder Singh, who held discussions with Major General Liu Lin, the commander of South Xinjiang Military Region of Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA).
The delegation led by India was to deliberate on restoration of the previously existing state of affairs in eastern Ladakh, and build-up of Chinese troops in the area, among other issues, news agency PTI reported, quoting official sources.
This came a day after foreign ministry officials held a meeting in which they agreed that the two countries should handle their differences through peaceful discussion.
Indian Agenda Focused on Restoring LAC Status Quo Ante
According to reports, the three-hour long meeting involved Indian officials attempting to restore the state of affairs to the way it was before China diverted troops to the Indian side.
The Indian side reportedly wanted to raise the issues of patrolling and militarisation of both sides as well as a drawing back of troops. The delegation reportedly sought restoration to status quo “as of April”.
Sources also reportedly stated that Saturday’s meeting could be the first of many, indicating that a hasty resolution could not be expected.
(With inputs from The Print and The Indian Express)
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