China said Monday that its decades-long boundary dispute with India is “complicated” and will require time to resolve, while expressing openness to continued diplomatic engagement.

Responding to recent comments from Indian Defense Minister Rajnath Singh, who urged the creation of a structured roadmap to ease tensions and seek a lasting border settlement, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning reaffirmed Beijing’s position.

“The boundary question is complicated, and it takes time to settle it,” Mao said during a regular press briefing in Beijing.

Singh had met with Chinese Defense Minister Dong Jun last week in Qingdao, amid ongoing efforts to de-escalate tensions in the disputed Ladakh region.

Mao acknowledged that both nations have established various communication channels. “The positive side is that the two countries have already established mechanisms at various levels for thorough communication,” she said.

She highlighted the existing special representatives mechanism and agreements on political parameters and guiding principles as frameworks for continued talks.

“China stands ready to maintain communication with India on issues including delimitation negotiation and border management,” Mao added, emphasizing the goal of maintaining peace and promoting cross-border cooperation.

“We hope that India will work with China in the same direction,” she said.

India has not yet formally responded to Beijing’s latest remarks. The two Asian giants have been locked in a tense military standoff since clashes erupted in the Galwan Valley in 2020.

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