India and China conduct another WMCC meeting, no breakthrough on Ladakh disengagement
- In Reports
- 04:41 PM, Dec 01, 2023
- Myind Staff
India and China engaged in diplomatic discussions regarding the ongoing border standoff in the Ladakh sector of the Line of Actual Control (LAC). Despite the talks, there are currently no immediate indications of a breakthrough in addressing the contentious issues along the disputed frontier.
The 14th meeting of the Working Mechanism for Consultation and Coordination (WMCC) on India-China Border Affairs took place, marking a continued effort since the standoff commenced in May 2020. As reported by the external affairs ministry, the two sides engaged in a comprehensive discussion regarding proposals aimed at addressing remaining issues and achieving full disengagement in Ladakh.
The readout did not specify any concrete progress in addressing current tensions at Demchok and Depsang, where troops from both India and China are stationed near the Line of Actual Control (LAC). Despite numerous rounds of diplomatic and military discussions, troops have been withdrawn from other areas of contention, including the north and south banks of Pangong Lake, Gogra, and Hot Spring.
“The two sides reviewed the situation along the LAC in the Western Sector of the India-China border areas and engaged in an open, constructive and in-depth discussion of proposals to resolve the remaining issues and achieve complete disengagement in Eastern Ladakh,” the readout said.
As per the reports, both sides have mutually acknowledged the "need to maintain peace and tranquility along the border areas, ensure a stable situation on the ground, and avoid any untoward incident." India and China have committed to ongoing dialogue through military and diplomatic channels, with plans for the next round of senior military commanders' meetings to be held "at the earliest" to achieve these objectives, according to the official readout.
The Working Mechanism for Consultation and Coordination (WMCC) first convened virtually in June 2020, responding to the standoff that emerged in May of the same year. This occurred shortly after a violent clash in the Galwan Valley resulted in the deaths of 20 Indian soldiers and at least four Chinese troops. These fatalities marked the first on the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in 45 years, escalating tensions to the lowest point since the 1962 border war between India and China. Currently, both nations maintain around 60,000 troops each along the LAC in the Ladakh sector.
During the meeting of the WMCC, the Indian delegation, headed by the joint secretary (East Asia) of the external affairs ministry, engaged in discussions with the Chinese delegation led by the director general of the boundary oceanic affairs of China’s foreign ministry. The last WMCC meeting took place in New Delhi on May 31. Senior military commanders from both sides have conducted 20 rounds of talks since the commencement of the standoff. The most recent meeting occurred at the Indian side of the Chushul-Moldo border meeting point from October 9-10.
The Chinese leadership asserts that both sides are progressing toward normalized management of the border situation, advocating for it to be appropriately positioned while focusing on advancing relations in areas like trade. In contrast, India maintains that the situation on the Line of Actual Control (LAC) remains abnormal, emphasizing that the overall relationship cannot be normalized until peace and tranquility are reinstated on the LAC.
Image source: India Today
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