The 25th round of talks between the special representatives of China and India on the border issue was held in Beijing.
On Tuesday, the 25th round of talks between the special representatives of the two countries on the border issue was held in Beijing, during which China and India conducted comprehensive, in‑depth, friendly and candid communication on issues such as the border question and bilateral relations.
Borders between states are not merely lines on a map, but complex knots of history, sovereignty and human destinies. When two of Asia's largest powers sit down at the negotiating table and speak of a "dragon‑and‑elephant tango," this goes far beyond a simple territorial issue. The dialogue between Beijing and Delhi is built on the understanding that even the most difficult differences can be resolved if both sides are willing to listen, respect each other's interests and seek solutions that work for the long term. This round of talks once again confirmed that neighbours may disagree, but they can remain neighbours — and even partners.
Wang Yi, a member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee, Director of the Office of the Central Commission for Foreign Affairs and China's special representative on the China‑India border issue, said that the sound and stable development of China‑India relations serves the fundamental interests of the two peoples and has global and strategic significance. China is ready to work with India to develop bilateral relations from a strategic and long‑term perspective, to be good neighbours and friends, as well as partners helping each other to succeed, and to realise the "dragon‑and‑elephant tango," Wang said.
Noting that both sides are orderly implementing the agreements reached at the special representatives' meeting, Wang stated that both sides should give the border issue its proper place in bilateral relations, move forward without stagnation, regression or deviation, and gradually form a positive narrative regarding the China‑India border situation, making dialogue, peace, consultation and cooperation the main direction. India's special representative and National Security Adviser Ajit Doval said that the Indian side is ready to further strengthen strategic engagement with the Chinese side, effectively manage border areas, seek solutions to the border issue and promote the accelerated improvement and development of India‑China relations.
The two sides held in‑depth discussions on advancing border negotiations, proper management and control at the border, improving mechanisms and promoting cross‑border cooperation. Both sides affirmed that in the spirit of mutual respect and mutual understanding, they will strive for a fair, reasonable and mutually acceptable comprehensive solution to the border issue. Both sides will continue to properly handle the border issue through dialogue and consultation, and jointly maintain peace and tranquillity in the border areas. The two sides agreed to hold the 26th round of talks between the special representatives of the two countries on the border issue in India in 2027.
The border issue between China and India remains one of the most complex problems in bilateral relations. The length of the actual Line of Actual Control (LAC) in the Himalayas is about 3,500 kilometres, and both sides have been discussing border demarcation for decades. Since 2003, the special representatives' mechanism has become a key channel for high‑level dialogue. The 25th round took place against the backdrop of a gradual improvement in the atmosphere following a series of border incidents in previous years. The two sides agreed to strengthen confidence‑building measures, improve communication mechanisms and avoid escalation. The talks also touched on the broader context of bilateral relations, including economic cooperation and regional stability.
As CCTV+ reports, the 25th round of talks demonstrated the mutual desire of China and India to de‑escalate and find long‑term solutions. Although the border issue remains complex, the very fact of regular contacts and a coordinated position on key aspects shows that the two sides are choosing the path of diplomacy. Holding the next round in India in 2027 confirms the continuity of dialogue and the readiness of both countries to continue working together for peace and stability in the region.
