China Hails Positive Discussions w/India On LAC After 1st Talks In Months

(MNI) London-Wires carrying comments from the Chinese Defence Ministry following the 19th round of talks that took place on 14 August between the People's Liberation Army (PLA) and the Indian Army regarding the situation along the contested border between the two nations in the Himalayas, known as the Line of Actual Control (LAC). Defence Minstry: "China, India had positive, constructive and in-depth discussions on resolution of the remaining issues along the LAC in the Western sector. China, India agreed to maintain peace and tranquility on the ground in the border areas. China, India agreed to resolve remaining issues in an 'expeditious manner'."

• The talks were the first for four months between the two Asian powers, and come just weeks ahead of a possible meeting between Chinese President Xi Jinping and Indian PM Narendra Modi on the sidelines of the BRICS summit in South Africa taking place 22-24 Aug.
• The Hindustan Times reportsa BRICS meeting "...has not been ruled out, people aware of the matter said. Also, the Chinese leader is expected to be in New Delhi for the G20 summit in September, though no confirmation has been forthcoming yet."
• A 1996 agreement prohibits the use of guns or explosives near the LAC, but high tensions areexacerbated by efforts to build infrastructure, while shifting ice caps, rivers and valleys in the mountainous regions can result in opposing sides coming into close contact. Violent skirmishes took place between troops in December 2022, with the last lethal clash occurring in 2020.