Candid. Constructive. All right! China has agreed to withdraw from Bhutan and stick to the Chinese side of the border, is that it? No.
According to a report posted by the China Global Television Network, “China, Bhutan hold candid, constructive discussions on border issue” (April 1, 2026).
China and Bhutan engaged in candid and constructive discussions regarding their border issue during the 15th Expert Group Meeting held in Beijing from March 30 to April 1….
Both sides acknowledged the progress made in recent years regarding the China-Bhutan border negotiations. In a friendly atmosphere, they engaged in candid and constructive discussions on further advancing the implementation of the Three-Step Roadmap. The two sides agreed to maintain momentum in the border negotiations and hold the next round of the Expert Group Meeting in Bhutan at a mutually convenient time.
The Three-Step Roadmap was signed by China and Bhutan in October 2021. The roadmap aims to resolve the long-standing border issue through three key phases: clarifying disputed areas, delineating the border line and completing a formal agreement.
On the sidelines of the 15th meeting, the 3rd meeting of the Joint Technical Team on Delimitation and Demarcation of the China-Bhutan Boundary held discussions on the boundary alignment in areas where there are no disputes, in keeping with the cooperation agreement.
Common ground galore! Negotiations were friendly. They were candid, constructive. Both sides agreed about keeping up the momentum. They agreed that the next meeting of negotiators in Bhutan would be held at a time mutually convenient. Finally, the two sides have found common ground “on the boundary alignment in areas where there are no disputes.” It would have been disheartening indeed if the two sides had disputed points that they don’t dispute.
What about the fact that “China has built 22 villages and settlements within Bhutan’s customary borders. And there is no sign that Bhutan can do anything about it—or that Beijing will face any costs”?
Also see:
Foreign Policy: “China Is Building Entire Villages in Another Country’s Territory” (May 7, 2021)
The Diplomat: “The Politics of China’s Land Appropriation in Bhutan” (October 15, 2024)
StoptheCCP.org: “China, the Crazy Neighbor Who Just Won’t Leave People Alone”
