India, China discuss proposals for disengagement in remaining areas in open, constructive manner

The Working Mechanism for Consultation and Coordination on India-China Border Affairs (WMCC) held its 26th meeting on 22 February 2023 in Beijing, the first in-person meeting since July 2019. The Indian delegation was led by the Ministry of External Affairs’ Joint Secretary (East Asia), while the Chinese delegation was led by the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ Director General of the Boundary & Oceanic Affairs Department.

The two sides reviewed the situation along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in the Western Sector of the India-China border areas and discussed proposals for disengagement in the remaining areas during the meeting.

The discussions were open and constructive, with the goal of restoring peace and tranquillity along the LAC in the Western Sector and creating conditions for the restoration of bilateral relations to normalcy.

The two sides agreed to hold the next (18th) round of the Senior Commanders meeting as soon as possible, in accordance with existing bilateral agreements and protocols. They also agreed to continue talks through military and diplomatic channels in order to achieve their goal.

The WMCC was established in 2012 to provide a platform for consultations and coordination on border issues between India and China. The 26th meeting was significant because it occurred amid ongoing tensions between the two countries, particularly in the aftermath of the Galwan Valley clashes in 2020.