China asks India to delink border issues from other bilateral relations

Analysts say it reflects China’s intentions to thaw relationship and forge ties in other areas of economic relations

Indian foreign minister S Jaishankar talks with his Chinese counterpart Qin Gang on the sidelines of G20 foreign ministers meeting (AP)

Chinese foreign minister Qin Gang has suggested that India place the ongoing border dispute between the two neighbours in “an appropriate place in bilateral relations”, in what is seen as Beijing’s efforts to move beyond the border standoff.

Mr Qin held a meeting with Indian foreign minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar for the first time since taking office in December 2022 on the sidelines of the G20 foreign ministers meeting in Delhi on Thursday.

His statement on the bilateral meeting came after Mr Jaishankar said he discussed an “abnormal” state of ties between and the need to bring peace and tranquility to the border areas.