India’s shadow looms over revived China-Bhutan border talks
- After years of delay, Beijing and Thimphu have agreed to resume discussions on their disputed boundary
- Analysts say breakthrough is unlikely because of Indian influence over Bhutan
During a four-day meeting of experts between China and Bhutan last week in the southern Chinese city of Kunming, the two sides talked about a “road map to expedite” boundary talks and to hold the 25th round of discussions on the issue “as soon as possible”, according to a joint release.
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The meetings, led on the Chinese side by Hong Liang, director general of the foreign ministry’s department of boundary and ocean affairs, and by Bhutan’s secretary of international boundaries, Letho Tobdhen Tangbi, were described by both as “in-depth and fruitful discussions on the boundary issue”.
China also gave Bhutan Covid-19 assistance material on the sidelines of the meeting.
There is no confirmed date yet for the boundary talks between China and Bhutan, but it will be the first meeting on the issue between the countries – which do not have formal diplomatic relations – since August 2016.
It will also be the first since the months-long border stand-off in 2017 between China and India, after Bhutan protested against China’s construction of a road in the Doklam area at the tri-junction of Bhutan, India and the politically sensitive Chinese region of Tibet.