China says India-China border issue is “complicated” and needs time
but expresses willingness to hold delimitation talks. Rajnath Singh urges for roadmap to resolve tensions at SCO meet.
India-China Border Tensions: Dialogue Continues Amid Complex Dispute
New Delhi/Qingdao, June 30, 2025:
China has stated that the ongoing border dispute with India is “complicated” and will take time to resolve, even as it expressed willingness to engage in discussions on delimitation and border management. The development follows the recent high-level talks between Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and his Chinese counterpart Dong Jun on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit held in Qingdao on June 26.
Singh Pushes for Roadmap to De-escalate Tensions
During the meeting, Defence Minister Singh emphasized that both countries must work towards resolving complex border issues under a structured roadmap, which includes steps for de-escalation, confidence building, and reviving mechanisms for border demarcation. He underscored the importance of maintaining peace and tranquility along the Line of Actual Control (LAC).
Mr. Singh also conveyed that improving bilateral relations required “ground-level actions” to reduce the existing trust deficit, especially in the aftermath of the 2020 eastern Ladakh standoff, which strained ties significantly.
China Responds: Dispute is Complex but Dialogue Possible
Responding to India’s proposal, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning stated that the India-China boundary question is indeed complicated and would need time for resolution. However, she welcomed continued engagement through established diplomatic and military channels.
“China and India have already established the Special Representatives (SRs) mechanism and agreed on political parameters and guiding principles for boundary settlement,” Mao said. “China stands ready to maintain communication on delimitation and border management to jointly keep the border peaceful.”
She also referred to the 23 rounds of SR-level talks, the latest held in December 2024 between NSA Ajit Doval and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, which resulted in positive disengagement steps and agreement on grazing and patrolling areas.
Delimitation Discussions Likely
One of the key takeaways from this latest exchange is China’s openness to delimitation negotiations, signaling a possible breakthrough if trust and communication are sustained. Both countries reaffirmed the importance of border stability and cross-border cooperation to ensure long-term regional peace.
Despite over two decades of talks, a final solution to the boundary dispute remains elusive. Yet, the structured dialogue and diplomatic momentum generated in Qingdao could pave the way for further confidence-building measures (CBMs).
Timeline Snapshot: India-China Border Developments
- 🔸 2020: Standoff in Eastern Ladakh leads to fatalities and a breakdown of border trust.
- 🔸 2021-2023: Multiple military and diplomatic talks with partial disengagements.
- 🔸 Dec 2024: 23rd SR-level talks, first since 2020, held between Ajit Doval and Wang Yi.
- 🔸 June 26, 2025: Defence Ministers Rajnath Singh and Dong Jun meet in Qingdao at SCO.
FAQs: India-China Border Dispute
Q1. Is China willing to resolve the border dispute with India?
Yes, China has acknowledged that the dispute is “complicated” and will take time, but it has also expressed readiness to hold discussions on delimitation and border management to maintain peace.
Q2. What proposal did Rajnath Singh make during the SCO meeting?
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh proposed a structured roadmap to resolve complex border issues, calling for de-escalation, revival of existing mechanisms, and on-ground action to reduce the trust deficit caused by the 2020 standoff.
Q3. What is the Special Representatives (SR) mechanism?
It is a high-level diplomatic mechanism between India and China, led by officials like India’s National Security Adviser and China’s Foreign Minister, to discuss and work toward a resolution of the boundary dispute. The 23rd round was held in December 2024.
Q4. Has there been any progress in recent border talks?
Yes, the latest SR meeting resulted in a disengagement agreement in October 2024, allowing patrolling and grazing in previously restricted areas. It’s seen as a positive step despite the dispute remaining unresolved.