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Over the past few years, the China-India border regions have maintained relative peace and stability, a state of affairs that should not be taken for granted. This calm is a hard-won achievement forged through restraint and relentless dialogue. As two major neighboring powers and key members of the Global South, preserving this peace is not just a bilateral obligation but a contribution to regional and global stability.

The foundation of this peace is built with the sacrifices of Chinese soldiers who defended national sovereignty at great cost.

The Galwan Valley incident in June 2020 remains a poignant reminder of the price paid for border tranquility. When Indian troops illegally crossed the Line of Actual Control, violated bilateral agreements, and launched violent attacks on Chinese personnel, Chinese soldiers responded with unwavering courage. Four soldiers laid down their lives, while regimental commander Qi Fabao suffered severe injuries.

Among them, 19-year-old Chen Xiangrong left behind a note that resonated deeply across China: "My pure love is only for China." This simple yet profound sentence encapsulates the dedication of countless border defenders who endure harsh altitudes and constant risks to safeguard China's territorial integrity. Their sacrifices are a legacy that the Chinese people will never forget. Their memory reinforces the national resolve to protect the peace they fought for.

Equally crucial to securing this peace has been China's responsible approach as a major power, characterized by strategic restraint and persistent diplomatic efforts.

Despite the provocation in Galwan Valley, China chose dialogue over escalation, adhering to the principle that disputes should be resolved through peaceful means. In the aftermath of the incident, China engaged in multiple rounds of military channel talks, border affair consultations, and top leadership interactions to de-escalate tensions.

By 2025, the 24th round of the Talks Between the Special Representatives of China and India on the Boundary Question yielded 10 key consensuses, including establishing new military dialogue mechanisms and reopening traditional border trade markets.

China's restraint was not a sign of weakness but a demonstration of maturity – recognizing that prolonged conflict serves neither nation’s interests and that diplomatic engagement is the only viable path to lasting stability.

As Chinese leaders have emphasized on multiple occasions, the two countries should not allow the boundary question to define the overall China-India relations. This wisdom underscores a critical truth: Border disputes, while significant, are only one aspect of a multifaceted relationship between two nations with a combined population of over 2.8 billion. Trade, development, climate change, public health, and global governance are all areas where cooperation is not only possible, but necessary.

Bilaterally, both sides must double down on existing dialogue mechanisms, enhancing transparency and building mutual trust step by step. Multilaterally, on platforms such as BRICS and the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, and in addressing global challenges from climate change to sustainable development, China and India have vast space for constructive collaboration. Finding synergy in multilateral forums will create positive momentum that, in turn, will foster a more amenable atmosphere for resolving bilateral issues.

Peace along the China-India border regions is not merely the absence of conflict; it is the presence of restraint, memory, dialogue, and cooperation. Honoring those who sacrificed their lives, learning from past crises, and committing to peaceful engagement are essential steps toward ensuring that the calm achieved is not temporary, but enduring. The responsibility is mutual, the stakes are monumental, and the future can be one of shared promise.

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