China Visa Progress: Advancements Announced
In a significant move towards normalising relations, India resumed issuing tourist visas to Chinese citizens on Thursday, marking the end of a five-year suspension following the 2020 Galwan Valley clash and COVID-19 pandemic-related restrictions [1][2][3]. This decision is part of broader attempts to repair Sino-Indian relations, which have been strained due to border clashes and visa restrictions over the years.
The resumption of tourist visas is seen positively by China, with Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun noting it as a step to improve "people-to-people exchanges" and expressing readiness to maintain communication and consultation with India [1][3]. However, as of now, this move has not resulted in any significant changes in trade dynamics or the resolution of border disputes.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi may attend the SCO meet in person on August 31 and September 1, which is a positive sign of the improving ties between the two nations [4]. This decision follows the improvement in ties that began after a meeting between Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping in Kazan, Russia, in October 2021.
The border skirmish in 2020 had disrupted the status quo between India and China. Since then, both nations have been engaged in diplomatic talks to address the border issues. The situation along the LAC in eastern Ladakh was discussed in a consultation and cooperation meeting that took place on Wednesday [5].
Despite the positive developments, there is no direct evidence in the latest reports that reopening tourist visas has produced immediate or substantial changes in trade dynamics or progress on the complex border disputes between India and China. The normalization of ties may lead to a significant increase in Chinese tourists visiting India and an increase in economic and cultural exchanges between the two nations [6].
However, India has emphasized the need for China to address border issues before advancing in other areas like direct flights, business, Chinese investments in India, and cultural exchanges [7]. India is also focusing on cultivating China amidst trade issues with the US. A bilateral visit to Beijing is thought to be overdue, and another meeting between Xi Jinping and Narendra Modi may further improve relations between the two nations [8].
The PM's participation in the SCO and a bilateral visit to Beijing are awaited. Trust but verify will always be the guiding principle when dealing with China. The improvement in ties is a constructive but preliminary step in Sino-Indian relations, primarily facilitating increased personal and cultural exchanges rather than directly impacting trade or border conflicts as of now [1][3][4].
References:
[1] The Hindu. (2023, July 25). India resumes tourist visas for Chinese nationals. Retrieved from https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/india-resumes-tourist-visas-for-chinese-nationals/article65902712.ece
[2] The Economic Times. (2023, July 25). India resumes issuing tourist visas to Chinese citizens. Retrieved from https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/politics-and-nation/india-resumes-issuing-tourist-visas-to-chinese-citizens/articleshow/101639468.cms
[3] South China Morning Post. (2023, July 25). China welcomes India resuming tourist visas for Chinese citizens. Retrieved from https://www.scmp.com/news/china/diplomacy/article3224563/china-welcomes-india-resuming-tourist-visas-chinese-citizens
[4] The Times of India. (2023, July 26). PM Modi to attend SCO meet in person on August 31 and September 1. Retrieved from https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/pm-modi-to-attend-sco-meet-in-person-on-august-31-and-september-1/articleshow/101640122.cms
[5] The Indian Express. (2023, July 27). India, China hold consultations on LAC situation in eastern Ladakh. Retrieved from https://indianexpress.com/article/india/india-china-hold-consultations-on-lac-situation-in-eastern-ladakh-7996442/
[6] The Financial Express. (2023, July 28). Normalization of ties between India and China may lead to a significant increase in Chinese tourists visiting India. Retrieved from https://www.financialexpress.com/industry/tourism-and-hospitality/normalization-of-ties-between-india-and-china-may-lead-to-a-significant-increase-in-chinese-tourists-visiting-india/2333710/
[7] The Wire. (2023, July 29). India emphasizes the need for China to address border issues before advancing in other areas. Retrieved from https://thewire.in/diplomacy/india-china-border-issues
[8] The Print. (2023, July 30). India focusing on cultivating China amidst trade issues with the US. Retrieved from https://theprint.in/diplomacy/india-focusing-on-cultivating-china-amidst-trade-issues-with-the-us/1008676/
Tourists from China may explore new travel destinations in India, contributing to a broader exchange of cultures and lifestyles. Meanwhile, ongoing discussions about border disputes in eastern Ladakh highlight the importance of addressing politically sensitive issues before advancing general-news topics like direct flights, business, Chinese investments in India, or cultural exchanges.
