Doval,Yang discuss 'major problems'

National Security Adviser Ajit Doval and his Chinese counterpart Yang Jiechi on Thursday discussed “major problems” in bilateral ties, the foreign ministry here said.

This is the first high-level meeting between India and China since the military standoff erupted in the Sikkim Sector on June 16.

The Chinese foreign ministry, in a brief readout, said Yang “elaborated China’s position on bilateral issues and major problems”, which is being seen as an apparent reference to the standoff in the Dokalam area. China’s state-run Xinhua news agency also reported that Yang met separately with Doval and his other counterparts from South Africa and Brazil.

Though there were no direct references to the Sikkim standoff in the Xinhua report, it said the talks between Doval and Yang included bilateral relations, international and regional issues and multilateral affairs.

Though China had maintained that there won’t be a meaningful dialogue without the unconditional withdrawal of Indian troops, India has been arguing that the unilateral action by China to build a road in the area was altering the status quo and had serious security implications for India.

India has also been pitching for diplomatic solution to resolve the standoff but sought simultaneous withdrawal of troops of both the sides from the tri-junction with Bhutan.

However, the Chinese official media has been carrying a blistering campaign accusing India of trespassing into the Chinese territory.