Date: June 30, 2025
Location: Beijing

China has acknowledged that the ongoing boundary dispute with India is "complex" and will take time to resolve. At the same time, Beijing expressed willingness to continue discussions on border delimitation and to maintain peace along the Line of Actual Control (LAC).

The statement comes following Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh’s meeting with Chinese Defence Minister Dong Jun on June 26 in Qingdao, during the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit. Singh proposed a structured roadmap to de-escalate tensions and re-activate mechanisms for border demarcation.

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning stated:

“China and India have established the Special Representatives mechanism on the boundary question and signed the Agreement on Political Parameters and Guiding Principles. We are open to continuing communication on border management and delimitation.”

When asked why the issue remains unresolved despite 23 rounds of talks, Mao said:

“The boundary question is complicated and requires time. However, both countries have mechanisms for ongoing communication. We hope India continues to work with China to maintain peace along the borders.”

The last SR-level meeting took place in December 2024, where both sides reaffirmed their commitment to the October 2024 disengagement agreement, allowing resumption of patrolling and grazing in sensitive areas.

During his meeting with Dong Jun, Singh also:

• Emphasized the importance of “good neighbourly conditions” and mutual trust.

• Called for action on the ground to reduce the ongoing trust deficit post the 2020 standoff in eastern Ladakh.

• Briefed the Chinese side about recent terrorist attacks in Kashmir, including Operation Sindoor to dismantle terror networks in Pakistan.