India and China held the 35th meeting of the Working Mechanism for Consultation and Coordination on India-China Border Affairs (WMCC) in Beijing on May 27, as both sides continued efforts to stabilise ties after years of border tensions.

The Indian delegation was led by Shri Sujit Ghosh, Joint Secretary (East Asia), while the Chinese side was headed by Hou Yanqi, Director General of the Boundary and Oceanic Affairs Department of China’s foreign ministry.

Focus On Border Stability

According to the official statement, both sides described the discussions as “constructive and forward looking”.

The two countries reviewed the situation along the India-China border and expressed satisfaction over progress in maintaining peace and tranquillity in border areas.

The statement added that stability along the frontier has helped gradual normalisation in broader bilateral relations.

Rivers, Border Management And Mechanisms

India and China also discussed issues related to border delimitation, border management mechanisms and cross-border cooperation.

The Indian side stressed the need for an early meeting of the Expert Level Mechanism on Trans-border Rivers, an important issue in bilateral engagement given concerns over river data sharing and upstream activities.

More Diplomatic And Military Engagement Planned

Both sides agreed to continue regular exchanges through diplomatic and military channels, including mechanisms established during the 24th Special Representatives (SR) talks.

The two countries also agreed to make preparations for the next round of Special Representatives talks, which will be held in China.

During the visit, the Indian delegation also met Chinese officials including Liu Jinsong, Director General of the Department of Asian Affairs, and Chinese Assistant Foreign Minister Hong Lei.