Another major meeting has been held at the diplomatic level to resolve the border dispute between India and China and bring bilateral relations back on track. The 35th meeting of ‘Working Mechanism for Consultation and Coordination’ (WMCC) between the two countries was held in Beijing, the capital of China. According to the Ministry of External Affairs, the talks were very ‘positive and forward-thinking’, but amidst all this sweetness visible on the diplomatic table, the ground reality still remains a big challenge.
In fact, despite these talks, there is currently no possibility of de-escalation and reduction in the number of troops i.e. de-induction along the 3,488 km long Line of Actual Control (LAC), especially in eastern Ladakh.
The 35th meeting of the Working Mechanism for Consultation & Coordination on India-China Border Affairs (WMCC) was held on 27 May 2026 in Beijing.
The two sides reviewed the situation in the India-China border areas. They expressed satisfaction with the progress made in pic.twitter.com/yBw6OqJenC
— ANI (@ANI) May 28, 2026
Important points of the meeting
In this important meeting held in Beijing, both the countries reviewed the current situation in the border areas in detail.
* Emphasis on normalizing relations: Both sides expressed satisfaction over the existing peace and stability on the border. Both countries believe that this peace is helping in gradually normalizing mutual relations.
* Brainstorming took place on these issues: In the meeting, mainly issues related to delimitation, border management, building new mechanisms and cross-border cooperation were discussed.
* Rivers issue: The Indian side laid special emphasis on early convening of the next meeting of the ‘Expert Level Mechanism’ (ELM) on issues related to trans-border rivers like Indus and Brahmaputra.
Preparations for the meeting of ‘Special Representatives’ (SR)
To take bilateral relations a notch higher, both the countries have agreed to make concrete preparations for the next meeting of ‘Special Representatives’ to be held in China soon. Along with this, it has also been decided to maintain regular contacts at diplomatic and military levels.
Diplomatic progress vs ground reality… 2020 deadlock continues
Even though there seems to be a softening of statements at the diplomatic level, the tension that started after China’s intrusion in eastern Ladakh in April-May 2020 has not completely ended.
Heavy deployment on the border: Amid claims of ‘peace and stability’ at the diplomatic level, thousands of soldiers from both the countries are stationed at forward locations with heavy and modern weapons.
Although in the last few years, troops have retreated from some patrolling points (like Galwan Valley and Pangong Tso) after several rounds of military and diplomatic talks, no concrete progress has been seen towards complete de-induction of the forces back to their permanent bases or barracks.
What are the main challenges and India’s stance?
Demchok and Depsang issue: The standoff in strategically sensitive and important areas like Demchok and Depsang is still to be completely resolved and patrolling rights are restored.
Lack of trust: New Delhi’s stance has always been completely clear that unless the status quo ante before April 2020 is restored on the border and the armies do not withdraw completely, relations between the two countries cannot be completely normal.
This latest meeting held in Beijing keeps the door open for talks, but the ball is now in China’s court. The eyes of the whole world are now on whether China will take any concrete and practical steps to completely withdraw the troops in the upcoming ‘Special Representatives’ (SR) meeting, or whether this ‘cold tension’ on LAC will continue like this.
leadership of the delegation
The Indian delegation in this 35th WMCC meeting was led by Sujit Ghosh, Joint Secretary (East Asia), Ministry of External Affairs. At the same time, the Chinese team was led by Hou Yanqi, Director General of the Border and Oceanic Affairs Department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs there. During his visit, Indian team leader Sujit Ghosh also had a courtesy meeting with China’s Assistant Foreign Minister Hong Lei.
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