Border Chill Or Border Thaw? India And China Talk Stability In 35th WMCC Meet

Nikunj Parikh - Mumbai Bureau May 28, 2026 1,300 Views

The 35th Working Mechanism for Consultation & Coordination (WMCC) meeting between India and China was held in Beijing on May 27 on the issues related to border management, delimitation and broader bilateral relations. Delegations discussed the situation along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) and the need for sustained peace and the gradual normalisation of India-China relations.

Beijing Meet Brings Peace Back To Border

Sujit Ghosh, Joint Secretary (East Asia) led the Indian delegation, and Hou Yanqi, Director General, Boundary & Oceanic Affairs led the Chinese delegation. The discussions were said to be constructive and forward-looking, with both sides recognizing the importance of ensuring peace and tranquility along the border. The officials emphasized that enhanced border stability is crucial for advancing wider diplomatic and economic cooperation.

The Agenda

From LAC Management To River Mechanisms is a booklet that provides a summary of the LAC management and the river mechanisms.

Delimitation, border management, and mechanism building and cross-border cooperation were discussed, with sensitivities lingering from Galwan. India also sought an early meeting of the Expert Level Mechanism on Trans-border Rivers, indicating that water resources continue to be a strategic issue. Both sides agreed to keep regular diplomatic and military exchanges on existing channels, including the results of the 24th round of Special Representatives (SR) talks, and to prepare substantively for the next SR meeting in China.

Key Highlights

35th WMCC meeting held in Beijing on May 27, 2026
Talks termed constructive and forward looking by both sides
Discuss the situation in LAC and peace and tranquility along the border areas.
Delimitation, border management and mechanism building discussions.
India demanded early meeting of Expert Level Mechanism on trans-border rivers.
Agreement to continue regular diplomatic and military level engagement and prepare for next SR talks