Ajit Doval meets China’s Vice President Han Zheng ahead of boundary talks

National Security Adviser Ajit Doval on Tuesday met Chinese Vice President Han Zheng in Beijing, ahead of his talks with Chinese Foreign Minister and Special Representative Wang Yi on the India-China boundary question.

Doval arrived in Beijing on Monday for a two-day visit for the Special Representatives’ talks, which assume significance as they are being held ahead of Chinese President Xi Jinping’s expected visit to New Delhi for the BRICS summit on September 12-13.

The meeting with Han comes as India and China seek to stabilise ties strained by the 2020 Galwan Valley clash and the prolonged military stand-off in eastern Ladakh.

The Special Representatives’ talks are expected to focus on the boundary dispute as well as broader bilateral, regional and international issues.

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian said the two sides would hold an “in-depth discussion” on the boundary question and other issues of mutual interest. He described the Special Representatives’ mechanism as the main channel for negotiations on the border dispute and an important platform for bilateral communication.

The India-China boundary dispute covers a 3,488-km frontier. The Special Representatives’ mechanism was established in 2003 to seek a comprehensive settlement, though it has also served as a key channel for managing tensions and maintaining communication.

The talks are taking place amid continuing differences over the border, including Arunachal Pradesh. In August last year, the two sides held the 24th round of Special Representatives’ talks, during which they reported “candid and in-depth exchanges” on the boundary issue.

Doval’s visit comes ahead of Xi’s expected trip to New Delhi for the BRICS summit, which could provide an opportunity for Xi and Prime Minister Narendra Modi to meet and discuss steps to further improve bilateral relations.