S Jaishankar Meets Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi in Laos
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar met his Chinese counterpart, Wang Yi, on the sidelines of the ASEAN meetings in Vientiane, Laos. They discussed the importance of ensuring full respect for the Line of Actual Control (LAC) and adhering to past agreements to stabilize their bilateral relationship.
Key Points of the Meeting
Jaishankar emphasized that stabilizing ties is in the mutual interest of both countries. The two leaders agreed on the need to provide strong guidance to complete the disengagement process along the LAC.
Jaishankar shared on social media, “Met with CPC Politburo member and FM Wang Yi in Vientiane today. Continued our ongoing discussions about our bilateral relationship. The state of the border will necessarily be reflected on the state of our ties.”
He added, “Agreed on the need to give strong guidance to complete the disengagement process. Must ensure full respect for the LAC and past agreements. It is in our mutual interest to stabilize our ties. We should approach the immediate issues with a sense of purpose and urgency.”
Background
In 2020, Indian and Chinese troops clashed at Galwan, leading to heightened tensions. Since then, both sides have maintained forward positions near Patrolling Point 15 in eastern Ladakh.
Importance of Mutual Respect
During the meeting, Jaishankar stressed the importance of mutual respect, interest, and sensitivity in India-China relations. The Ministry of External Affairs highlighted that the meeting allowed the two ministers to review the situation since their last meeting in Astana on July 4, 2024.
Both ministers agreed on the need to work with purpose and urgency to achieve complete disengagement at the earliest. They emphasized that peace and tranquility on the borders and respect for the LAC are essential for normal bilateral relations.
Future Discussions
India and China will hold an early meeting of the Working Mechanism on Consultation and Coordination on India-China Border Affairs (WMCC) to continue discussions. The two ministers also exchanged views on global and regional situations.
Jaishankar expressed his satisfaction with the meeting, stating, “I am very glad we could meet today, on the sidelines of the East Asia Summit, Foreign Ministers Meeting. This conversation provides us another opportunity to take forward the ongoing discussions on bilateral relations.”
He further noted that both countries have made efforts to resolve the border dispute and aim to complete the process, ensuring full respect for the LAC.
ASEAN Engagement
Jaishankar’s visit to Vientiane from July 25 to 27 underscores India’s deep engagement with ASEAN and its commitment to ASEAN unity and centrality. This year marks a decade of India’s Act East Policy, highlighting the importance of the ASEAN-India Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.
Doubts Revealed
S Jaishankar -: S Jaishankar is India’s External Affairs Minister. He is responsible for managing India’s relationships with other countries.
Wang Yi -: Wang Yi is the Foreign Minister of China. He handles China’s international relations and diplomacy.
Laos -: Laos is a country in Southeast Asia. It is where the meeting between the Indian and Chinese ministers took place.
ASEAN -: ASEAN stands for the Association of Southeast Asian Nations. It is a group of countries in Southeast Asia that work together on economic and political issues.
Line of Actual Control (LAC) -: The Line of Actual Control (LAC) is the border between India and China. It is not a clearly marked border, which sometimes leads to disputes.
disengagement process -: The disengagement process refers to steps taken by India and China to reduce military tensions and move their troops away from the disputed border areas.