Bangladesh, Aug. 26 -- The latest round of border talks between India and China offers a cautiously encouraging sign that the two Asian powers are trying to move beyond the confrontation that has defined their relationship since the deadly 2020 clash in Ladakh. Yet the renewed dialogue should not be mistaken for a breakthrough. The two countries remain separated by deep strategic mistrust, unresolved territorial claims, and competing ambitions across Asia. What matters now is whether diplomacy can gradually transform a fragile de-escalation into a durable political settlement.

On August 26, Indian National Security Adviser Ajit Doval and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi met in Beijing in their capacities as special representatives for th...