External Affairs Minister Jaishankar addresses the developing ties between India-China
On December 3, 2024, during the winter session, at the Lok Sabha, the External Affairs Minister S.Jaishankar highlighted the long term rift and the progressing relationship between India and China at the Line of Actual Control (LAC).
“Recent developments that reflect continuous diplomatic engagements have set Indo-China ties in the direction of some improvement. Disengagement has been achieved in full in eastern Ladakh.
I rise to apprise the House of some recent developments in the India-China border areas and their implications for our overall bilateral relations. The House is aware that our ties have been abnormal since 2020 when peace and tranquility in the border areas were disturbed as a result of Chinese actions” – EAM Jaishankar.
EAM Jaishankar, then mentioned the previous incidents of illegal occupation of China of about 38,000 square km of Indian Territory in Aksai Chin which was a consequence of 1962 conflicts. Then, Pakistan illegally ceded over the 5,180 square km of Indian Territory to China in 1963. Through the continuous bilateral talks between India and China, the Indian government tried to resolve these illegal trespasses.
“Members would recall that the amassing of a large number of troops by China along the LAC in eastern Ladakh in April-May 2020 resulted in face-offs with our forces at a number of points…It is to the credit of our armed forces that despite logistical challenges and the then prevailing Covid situation, they were able to counter-deploy rapidly and effectively.
It is also evident that the management of the border areas will require further attention in the light of our recent experiences” he added.
He concluded his statements by quoting three key principles which must be followed in all circumstances by both the country and the October 21 meeting between the Prime Ministers of both the countries to stabilise and rebuild the relationship.
- Both sides should strictly respect and observe the LAC
- Neither side should attempt to unilaterally alter the status quo
- Agreements and understandings reached in the past must be fully abided by in their entirety.
Also Read | Srinagar Security Forces Kill Terrorist in Encounter, Heightened Patrolling Ensues
