Photo: CFP

 
From Wednesday to Thursday, the 12th meeting of the China-Bhutan boundary issue expert group was held in Thimphu, Bhutan, and the two sides expressed confidence in the "three-step" roadmap and reiterated the importance of increasing the frequency of expert group meetings in order to promote greater progress in the implementation of the roadmap. 

The Chinese delegation was led by Hong Liang, director-general of the Department of Boundary and Ocean Affairs of the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and the Bhutanese delegation was led by Dasho Letho Tobdhen Tangbi, secretary of the International Boundaries of Bhutan.

The border between China and Bhutan spans a length of more than 600 kilometers. Disputed areas are mainly located on the western and northern parts of the border, covering about 5,000 square kilometers, according to analysts.

Boundary negotiations started in 1984 and lasted for nearly 40 years before the two signed a memorandum of understanding on a Three-Step Roadmap in 2021. 

During talks in the past two days, China and Bhutan agreed to hold the next expert group meeting in Beijing as soon as possible. They also agreed to hold the 25th round of border talks at an early and convenient time. 

The meeting was held in a cordial and friendly atmosphere, demonstrating the close, friendly and cooperative relationship between China and Bhutan, according to a release from the Chinese side.

Global Times