Daily Current Affairs : 27-October-2023

In recent news, China and Bhutan have made significant progress in their long-standing border dispute by holding their 25th round of boundary talks in Beijing. This marks a crucial development in their relationship, as they signed a Cooperation Agreement on the “Responsibilities and Functions of the Joint Technical Team (JTT) on the Delimitation and Demarcation of the Bhutan-China Boundary.”

Background and Key Details
  • The talks are part of a 3-Step Roadmap initiated in 2021 for border resolution, following a positive momentum from their last talks in 2016.
  • After a gap of seven years, Bhutan and China engaged in these talks. Bhutan shares a contiguous border with the Tibetan Autonomous Region to its north and west.
  • Previous attempts to resolve disputes were stalled due to the Doklam Standoff in 2017 and the COVID-19 pandemic in 2019-2021.
  • Despite not having diplomatic ties, both nations agreed to the roadmap which includes technical talks and ground visits for boundary delineation.
The 3-Step Roadmap: A Detailed Overview

The 3-Step Roadmap involves:

  1. Agreeing to the Border on the Table: Bhutan and China aim to clearly define their respective territories for the first time.
  2. Visiting Sites on the Ground: Practical visits to the disputed areas are planned to better understand the ground realities.
  3. Formally Demarcating the Boundary: The final step involves formalizing the agreed-upon boundary.
Significance for India

The Doklam Issue:

  • India closely monitors discussions about Doklam, as China proposes swapping areas in Doklam under Bhutanese control with disputed areas it claims.
  • The Doklam trijunction’s proximity to India’s Siliguri corridor raises concerns, as any Chinese control in this region could threaten India’s strategic interests.

Chinese Embassy in Bhutan:

  • India is apprehensive about China’s demand for full diplomatic relations with Bhutan and the prospect of opening an embassy in Thimphu.
  • Given India’s concerns with Chinese projects in neighboring countries, any Chinese presence in Bhutan could pose challenges for India’s regional influence.
Important Points:

Bhutan-China Boundary Talks – Key Points

Background and Key Details

  • 25th round of boundary talks between China and Bhutan.
  • Cooperation Agreement signed, following a 3-Step Roadmap initiated in 2021.
  • Gap of seven years between previous boundary talks.
  • Bhutan shares a contiguous border with the Tibetan Autonomous Region.
  • Disputes resolution process stalled due to the Doklam Standoff in 2017 and the COVID-19 pandemic.
  • The 3-Step Roadmap involves defining the border, ground visits, and formal demarcation.

Significance for India

  • Concerns about the Doklam issue, particularly China’s proposals to swap areas in Doklam.
  • Doklam’s proximity to India’s Siliguri corridor, a vital strategic area.
  • Apprehension over China’s demand for full diplomatic relations with Bhutan and opening an embassy in Thimphu.
  • Worry about Chinese projects in Bhutan, considering India’s challenges with Chinese projects in neighboring countries.
Why In News

During the 25th round of boundary talks held in Beijing, China and Bhutan signed a Cooperation Agreement on the ‘Responsibilities and Functions of the Joint Technical Team (JTT) on the Delimitation and Demarcation of the Bhutan-China Boundary,’ solidifying their commitment to resolving border issues through mutual cooperation and understanding.

MCQs about Bhutan-China Boundary Talks

  1. What is the main objective of the 3-Step Roadmap?
    A) Strengthening diplomatic ties between Bhutan and China
    B) Defining the border, conducting ground visits, and formal demarcation
    C) Halting border talks between the two nations
    D) Establishing military presence in disputed areas
    Correct Answer: B) Defining the border, conducting ground visits, and formal demarcation
    Explanation: The 3-Step Roadmap involves agreeing to the border, visiting sites on the ground, and formally demarcating the boundary.
  2. Why is India concerned about the Doklam issue ?
    A) Doklam is a major trade route between India and Bhutan
    B) It is a disputed region close to India’s strategic Siliguri corridor
    C) Doklam is rich in natural resources
    D) India has territorial claims over Doklam
    Correct Answer: B) It is a disputed region close to India’s strategic Siliguri corridor
    Explanation: The Doklam region’s proximity to India’s Siliguri corridor raises concerns, as any Chinese control in this region could threaten India’s strategic interests.
  3. What is the primary reason behind India’s worry regarding China’s demand for full diplomatic relations with Bhutan?
    A) Fear of Bhutan aligning with China against India
    B) Concerns about Chinese military presence in Bhutan
    C) Apprehension over a potential Chinese embassy in Thimphu
    D) Economic competition between India and China in Bhutan
    Correct Answer: C) Apprehension over a potential Chinese embassy in Thimphu
    Explanation: India is worried about China’s demand for full diplomatic relations with Bhutan and the prospect of opening an embassy in Thimphu.
  4. What is the purpose of the 25th round of boundary talks between China and Bhutan?
    A) Signing a trade agreement between the two nations
    B) Discussing cultural exchanges and tourism
    C) Resolving their long-standing border dispute
    D) Addressing environmental concerns in the border regions
    Correct Answer: C) Resolving their long-standing border dispute
    Explanation: The 25th round of boundary talks between China and Bhutan aims to make progress in resolving their long-standing border dispute.

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