India has received backing from the United States(US) Deputy Secretary of State Kurt Campbell in its efforts to mend ties with China.
According to a report by Reuters, Campbell praised the move to reduce tensions after External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar’s statement on June 16 about India and China resolving their border issues which have been contentious for long. “We are looking at finding a solution to the border issues involving China,” said Jaishankar after he assumed office for his second term on June 11th.
Campbell argued that any time two countries can find some bit of common space towards reducing tension, it is important to support them truthfully.
The American deputy secretary also noted that the US is hopeful about having a good relationship with India and pledged to nurture this relationship and make it stronger.
Moreover, Campbell mentioned that he would be heading to India together with America’s National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan to reinforce certain areas of coordination between these nations. At the same time, he expressed faith in the partnership between the US and India while acknowledging how difficult it could be addressing systemic problems concerning China and India. “I think there are some structural issues between China and India that frankly will be difficult to resolve,” said Campbell.
Campbell also stressed difficulties posed by President Xi Jinping’s approach toward territorial matters in relation to potential rapprochement with China. He argues, “I mean over any issue that bridges or touches upon territorial matters under Xi Jinping’s leadership I think it’s quite hard for Chinese people not show any flexibility or try looking for points of agreement.”
The boundary between China and India stretches over 3,800 kilometers; since they fought each other in 1962, it has remained contested ground. In July 2020 there was military stand-off following confrontations leading into casualties on both sides.
