Beijing, Aug 25: National Security Advisor Ajit Doval and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, on Tuesday, held the 25th round of Special Representatives (SR) talks on the India-China boundary question in Beijing, with the two sides discussing ways to strengthen peace along the border and improve bilateral ties. The two leaders discussed ways to strengthen peace and tranquillity in the border areas and further improve bilateral ties across economic, political and multilateral fora, in accordance with the consensus reached between the leaders of the two countries, the Indian Embassy in Beijing said in a social media post.

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian had said on Monday that Doval and Wang would hold an “in-depth discussion” on the boundary question as well as bilateral, regional and international issues. Lin described the Special Representatives mechanism as the “main channel” for negotiations between China and India on the boundary question and an important platform for communication on issues of mutual interest.

He said the two sides would continue their discussions in the spirit of the common understandings reached by the leaders of the two countries and work together to maintain peace and tranquillity in the border areas. The two sides were also expected to exchange views on bilateral relations and international and regional issues.

The meeting assumes significance as it comes ahead of Chinese President Xi Jinping’s expected visit to New Delhi for the BRICS summit on September 12-13. Asked about Xi’s reported visit to India, Lin did not give a direct response.

Both Doval and Wang are the designated Special Representatives for the boundary talks mechanism, established in 2003 to comprehensively address the 3,488-km India-China boundary dispute. India-China ties came under severe strain following the 2020 Galwan Valley clash and the prolonged military stand-off in eastern Ladakh.

Since then, the two countries have taken several steps aimed at stabilising relations. While the Special Representatives mechanism has not resolved the boundary dispute, officials on both sides regard it as an important platform for addressing recurring tensions and maintaining dialogue.

The 24th round of Special Representatives talks was held in August last year. According to Lin, the two sides held candid and in-depth discussions on the boundary question during that meeting and reached several common understandings.