China-Bhutan hold first meeting on ‘delimitation’ of disputed boundary

Source: The post is based on the article “China-Bhutan hold first meeting on ‘delimitation’ of disputed boundary”  published in The Hindu on 26th August 2023.

What is the News?

China and Bhutan held the first meeting of the newly set-up joint technical team on the delimitation of their disputed boundary.

What is the Bhutan China Border Dispute?

China claims certain territories from Bhutan:

In the north: Pasamlung and Jakarlung valleys; Both of these places are culturally vital for Bhutan.

In the west: Doklam, Dramana, and Shakhatoe, Yak Chu and Charithang Chu, and Sinchulungpa and Langmarpo valleys. These places are pasture-rich and strategically located in the Bhutan-India-China trijunction, lying close to India’s Siliguri Corridor.

In 2020, China made new claims on Bhutan’s East in the Sakteng sanctuary.

What has been the history of boundary talks between China and Bhutan?

The boundary talks between Bhutan and China began in 1984, and the 24th round was held in 2016. 

The talks have largely focused on disputed areas to Bhutan’s north, and to its west, abutting the Doklam plateau.However, these have been stalled since 2016, especially after the 2017 Doklam stand-off.

In 2021, Bhutan and China signed an MoU on the Three-Step Roadmap for Expediting the China-Bhutan Boundary Negotiations.

What has happened now?

China and Bhutan has agreed to expedite and take simultaneous steps to implement the Three-Step Road Map” signed in 2021.

The two sides also agreed to hold the 14th Expert Group Meeting on the China-Bhutan Boundary Issues as soon as possible and maintain communication on holding the 25th Round of China-Bhutan Boundary Talk.