20th Bhutan China border Talks
M B Subba
Bhutan Today
Without any official demarcation in the northern border with China, Bhutanese people residing there are affected, especially in relation to pasture land and cordyceps harvesting disputes.
However, fingers are crossed and the Bhutanese are hoping that the 20th border talks between the two countries slated to be held here very soon will resolve all issues.
The director of bilateral department, ministry of foreign affairs, Thinley Penjor, said dates for the talks could not be confirmed. “In fact, several dates have been proposed but we are not sure when they will be coming,” he said, adding that preparations for the meeting will begin after the proposed visit is confirmed.
Sources however said that the vice minister of foreign and boundary affairs of China, Ms Fu Ying, is visiting Thimphu from Aug 9-11 for the 20th round of talk. The source said that the visit is confirmed, unless China pulls out at the last minute.
The Bji-Katsho-Uesu member of the National Assembly from Haa district, Ugen Tenzin, said border problem is not only affecting the people of the north but is also an issue of national interest.
“We have been informed that talks will be held but don’t know beyond what is discussed in the parliament,” he said. “Let’s hope that talks will go well”. Gasa National Council member Sangay Khandu said resolving the border issue is important from the security and sovereignty point of view, besides the fact that people in the north are directly affected. In absence of official demarcation, he said disputes regarding pasture lands and codycep picking could dampen the relation between the border residents of the two countries.
“It’s important for us to resolve the dispute so that people living in the northern border don’t have problem regarding pasture lands and cordycep picking,” he said.
During the last round of talks held here in January 2010, agreement was reached to direct an “expert group” of the two governments to meet and discuss the modalities for the joint field survey with a view to harmonize reference points. The expert group would also discuss names of places in areas of the Western Sector which are now the focus of the boundary talks. These areas comprise the four pastures of Doklam, Charithang, Sinchulumpa and Dramana.
The two neighbors who share about 470 km long borders have held 19 rounds of border talks. However, officials also admit that the two sides have been no closer to resolving the dispute which emerged in 1984 to the mutual satisfaction of both the sides.
Meanwhile, this news comes in the wake of the meeting between prime minister Jigme Y Thinley and the Chinese premier Wen Jiabao on the side lines of Rio+20 conference in Brazil on June 21.
The first meeting of two heads of government had followed former Chinese ambassador Zhou Gang’s visit to Bhutan from April 23 to 27 this year. Zhou Gang, along with his wife and two other officials from the Chinese foreign ministry, among other officials had met the secretary of international boundaries.
Analysts believe China is willing to complete border demarcation with Bhutan at an early date and strengthen exchanges in various fields, while appreciating Bhutan’s support of “one china” policy.
“I think the Chinese side is ready to settle the dispute in quest of forging a closer contact with Bhutan. But the government should ensure that the border issues be resolved simultaneously,” said an analyst.
He said at a time when Bhutan is looking for a more active role internationally and China’s “strategic” interest on Bhutan visible, benefits will be mutual. Bhutan can gain from China’s support for Bhutan’s leadership in the international issues like global warming and sustainable development, he said.
After several rounds of talks, the two countries signed for the first time an agreement promising to “Maintain Peace and Tranquility on the Bhutan-China Border Areas,” in 1998. In the 19th round of talks, both sides had decided on a joint field survey, which would enable harmonizing the reference points and names of the disputed areas.
While, Bhutan is known to have isolated itself from the rest of the world, history says that Bhutan and Tibet (China) always had open borders. Experts say resolving the dispute will facilitate establishment of cross border trade even if the exact border-lines are yet to be defined.
