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In ‘big test’ for India, China and Bhutan push to solve border dispute and establish official ties
- Chinese and Bhutanese officials wrap up new round of border talks and agree to work towards formal diplomatic relations
- Analyst says thaw in ties is ‘severe strategic setback’ for New Delhi’s security efforts in Himalayas, where it faces boundary spat with Beijing
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China and Bhutan agreed to push for the early settlement of their border dispute and the establishment of diplomatic ties in what mainland observers described as “a breakthrough” in Beijing’s efforts to pull the Himalayan kingdom away from New Delhi.
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Wrapping up a new round of border talks in Beijing on Tuesday, the two countries signed a cooperation agreement on the responsibility and functions of a technical team for the delimitation and demarcation of the boundary.
A joint press release issued late on Tuesday said the talks, led by Bhutanese Foreign Minister Tandi Dorji and China’s foreign vice-minister Sun Weidong, were held in a “warm and friendly atmosphere”. It added that both sides “agreed to build on the positive momentum”.
In separate meetings with the visiting Bhutanese diplomat, Chinese Vice-President Han Zheng and Foreign Minister Wang Yi urged the kingdom to resolve the border issue and set up official diplomatic ties with Beijing.
Bhutan, traditionally a close ally of India, lacks diplomatic ties with China and the other four permanent members of the United Nations Security Council. Of China’s 14 land neighbours, Bhutan and India are the only two countries that have not yet resolved border disputes with Beijing.
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