The Special Representatives of China and India on the Boundary Question – Yang Jiechi, Chinese State Councilor, and Shri Ajit Doval, National Security Adviser of India – met on Friday in New Delhi for the 20th round of Special Representatives' talks, focusing on bringing out the full potential of the Closer Developmental Partnership between the two countries.

The Special Representatives undertook a comprehensive review of earlier rounds of the talks and agreed that an early settlement of the boundary question serves the fundamental interests of both countries. 

They reemphasized their commitment to achieve a fair, reasonable and mutually acceptable solution to the India-China boundary issue at the earliest possible date. The two sides agreed that pending the final resolution of the boundary question, it is necessary to maintain peace and tranquility in the border areas. In this regard, the Special Representatives exchanged ideas on various confidence-building measures.

The two also reviewed the development of India-China bilateral relations. They agreed to maintain regular contact and to advance the development of bilateral relations in all areas. They underlined the need for the two countries to build on their convergences, while seeking mutually acceptable resolutions of their differences with due respect for each other's sensitivities, concerns and aspirations. 

They acknowledged that as two large developing countries engaged in national modernization, relations between India and China transcend their bilateral dimensions and have significance for peace, stability and development of Asia and the world. Both sides also exchanged views on regional and global issues of mutual interest.

Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Hua Chunying said on Friday that the Special Representative meeting on the border issue between China and India is not only a high-level channel for negotiations on the border areas between the two countries, but also an important platform for strategic communications. 

"The Special Representative meeting on border issues has been held 19 times," Hua said. "We believe that the meeting mechanism has worked well and we would like to maintain close communication with India, make full use of all existing mechanisms for the two sides, maintain peace and tranquility in the border areas and create favorable conditions for the healthy and stable development of the relations between the two countries."

During the visit, the Chinese Special Representative also called on the Indian Prime Minister on Friday.