Context
Recently India and China held the 30th meeting of the Working Mechanism for Consultation and Coordination on India-China Border Affairs (WMCC) in New Delhi.
About
- The WMCC on India-China Border Affairs was activated after the face-off at the Line of Actual Control started in May 2020.
- The discussion was “in-depth, positive and ahead-searching”, and both sides agreed to maintain the momentum through mounted diplomatic and military channels.
- The talks come amid symptoms that the two nations are making efforts to remedy the stand-off alongside the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in eastern Ladakh.
Importance of Peace for India and China
- Economic cooperation: India and China are two of the sector’s largest and fastest-growing economies and advanced relations can help in growth trade and investment.
- Regional stability: India and China are two principal powers in Asia, and their relations have a significant impact on regional stability.
- Border security: A peaceful relationship between the 2 nations is essential to keep border security and avoid any conflicts or misunderstandings alongside the border.
- Geopolitics: India and China are both important players inside the international geopolitical environment whose non violent co-existence is crucial to create a more strong and predictable international environment.
Challenges of India-China peace procedure
- Military Build-up: The military build-up by both countries along the border has improved tensions and made the peace method more challenging.
- Historical Issues: Historical issues, which include the 1962 Sino-Indian War, keep having an effect on the relationship between the two nations.
- Border Disputes: Despite numerous rounds of talks, the 2 sides have not been able to reach an enduring approach to the border dispute especially along the Line of Actual Control (LAC).
Way ahead
- India-China peace procedure calls for sustained efforts from both sides to cope with those demanding situations and build mutual agreement and expertise.
- There is a need to retain discussions thru army and diplomatic channels and to actively enforce the critical consensus reached by the leaders of the 2 countries to further stabilize the border scenario.
- Overall, peace between India and China is crucial for the economic, political, and strategic interests of both countries, in addition to regional and global balance.
Source: The Hindu
UPSC Mains Practice Question
Q. Border management is a complex task due to difficult terrain and hostile relations with some countries. Elucidate the challenges and strategies for effective border management. (2016)