Top diplomats from India & China hold virtual meet, stress on peaceful & stable relations

Amid tensions along LAC, MEA Joint Secretary (East Asia) Naveen Srivastava held a virtual meeting with Wu Jianghao, Director General of China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Friday. Chinese Ambassador to India Sun Weidong also joined video conference. two sides exchanged views on bilateral relations including current developments. Recalling consensus reached by PM Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping, y stressed that peaceful and balanced relations between India and China would be a positive factor for stability in global situation.

y agreed to follow strategic guidance of two leaders and emphasised that differences should t be turned into disputes. As per Weidong, diplomats maintained that two nations represented development opportunities and threat to each or. According to him, both sides reached a consensus on deepening cooperation in fight against COVID-19, promoting multilateralism, and safeguarding common interests of developing countries. 

Read: LAC Standoff: MoS PMO Rakes Up Cong's Role In Conflict With China, Blames Nehru's Policy

India-China standoff

Chinese military helicopters were spotted close to border between India and China in eastern Ladakh after a clash between soldiers from both sides took place on two occasions. reafter, a fleet of Su-30 fighters of Indian Air Force carried out sorties in area. According to reports, Indian and Chinese Army personnel clashed along rrn bank of Pangong Lake in Ladakh on May 5. Four days later, a face-off between two sides was witnessed near Naku La Pass in Sikkim. Speaking with Republic TV, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said that Centre would t let India's self-respect come down. He added that diplomatic talks with China were going on. 

High-level talks on June 6

A day ahead of Corps Commander-level Indo-China talks, China appointed Lieutenant General Xu Qiling as new commander for its Western atre Command Ground Force. Western atre Command is responsible for guarding  3488 km long Line of Actual Control with India. As per sources, both nations are expected to table specific proposals to end standoff.

Sources add that Lieutenant General Harinder Singh, Commander of 14 Corps shall hold talks with Major General Liu Lin, who is commander of South Xinjiang Military Region of China's People's Liberation Army. A breakthrough has t been achieved despite nearly 10 rounds of talks between two sides. aforesaid meeting will take place at Moldo, a designated Border meeting point. 

Read: Punjab CM Urges Centre To Take A Tough Stance On China, Says 'won't Accept Bullying'