#SikkimStandoff: NSA Doval visits Beijing as China demands Indian withdrawal
Indian National Security Adviser Ajit Doval has arrived in Beijing, where he will meet Chinese President Xi Jinping and his counterparts from the BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa) countries for a multilateral security meet. However, the focus is expected to be on Doval's bilateral talks with China over the ongoing standoff between Indian and Chinese troops along the Sikkim border.
China: Indian troop withdrawal precondition for bilateral talks
On July 26, Chinese foreign minister Wang said that for any bilateral talks India would have to withdraw its soldiers from Doklam, where the two-month standoff is taking place. Wang mentioned "even Indian officials said that Chinese soldiers didn't enter the Indian territory." India has maintained its troops are acting on behalf of Bhutan as Chinese troops have entered Doklam, which is Bhutanese territory.
Unclear whether Doval will discuss border standoff with China
Doval is expected to meet senior Chinese officials, including state councillor Yang Jiechi, to try resolving or at least easing tensions between both countries. However, Chinese and Indian officials haven't revealed Doval's schedule. On July 24, the Chinese foreign ministry said Doval will likely meet Foreign Minister Wang Yi but ruled out a discussion on the Sikkim Standoff.
What Doval is expected to discuss in Beijing
Security officials from the BRICS countries are expected to discuss national security, counter-terrorism and cyber-security ahead of the grouping's annual summit to be held Xiamen, China, in September. They will also discuss global governance, energy security, international and regional hotspots, and development.
