China and Bhutan aim to resolve a long-running border dispute
That has caused India to worry about its own territory and a loss of influence
Chinese diplomats have had a rough ride in South Asia for most of the past four years. Relations with India took a nosedive after a deadly border clash in 2020. Debt problems, political instability and militant attacks on Chinese nationals have strained an “ironclad” friendship with Pakistan. Mass unrest toppled a China-friendly president in Sri Lanka last year after it plunged into a debt crisis linked to Chinese lending. Bangladesh also shelved several infrastructure projects tied to China’s Belt and Road Initiative.
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This article appeared in the China section of the print edition under the headline “Progress on one front”
From the November 4th 2023 edition
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