Tribune News Service
New Delhi, May 27
China sought to dial down tensions on the Line of Actual Control (LAC) and continued quiet diplomacy with India even as US President Donald Trump unexpectedly offered to be the peacemaker.
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Talks key to solution
- Both nations are capable of resolving issues through dialogue and consultation, said China’s Foreign Ministry spokesman
- But he indicated tough bargaining ahead reiterating China’s commitment to safeguarding territorial sovereignty
The Chinese Foreign Ministry in Beijing as well as Chinese Ambassador to India Sun Weidung underlined the need for constant communication to resolve differences.
“Between the two countries, we have good border-related mechanism and communication channels. We are capable of resolving the issues properly though dialogue and consultation,” said Foreign Ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian, while confirming quiet diplomacy, away from public glare, was on to defuse the border tensions.
“This includes communication between border troops and between our diplomatic missions,” he explained.
At the same time, Zhao indicated tough bargaining in the days ahead by reiterating China’s commitment to safeguarding its territorial sovereignty and security.
There was a flutter in the strategic community when Trump sought to step in as the peacemaker days after Alice Wells, his top diplomat for the region, did the opposite by accusing China of causing problems from the land border with India to the South China Sea.“We have informed both India and China that the United States is ready, willing and able to mediate or arbitrate their now raging border dispute. Thank you!” tweeted Trump. There was no response from the Indian and Chinese governments.
Trump previously offered to mediate between India and Pakistan on the Kashmir issue, a proposal rejected by New Delhi maintaining there was no role for third party in bilateral issues.In a different context, the Chinese Ambassador said India and China must never let the differences shadow the overall situation of bilateral cooperation. “We should adhere to the basic judgment that China and India pose no threat to each other,” he stresssed.