China has hinted that the upcoming summit between President Xi Jinping and Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be a trust-building exercise for both countries; a look at some issues on which New Delhi and Beijing have sharp differences
The unresolved border dispute along Doklam remains a bone of contention for both the countries. Recently, Indian Army had alleged that the Chinese troops had "transgressed" the Asaphila area along Arunachal Pradesh. In the past, PM Modi has expressed his particular interest in finally settling the India-China boundary issues. The leaders are expected to address the differences, besides discussing issues related to Pakistan, Nepal and Bhutan.
India has reservations on Chinese President Xi Jinping's landmark scheme, the Belt and Road Initiative. The project plans to build infrastructure to connect China to the rest of Asia, and beyond, to facilitate trade. India has objected to the initiative as the $60-billion China-Pakistan Economic Corridor runs through Pakistan-administered Kashmir, which is a disputed area for India and Pakistan.
China, a key member, has always obstructed India's entry into the 48-member Nuclear Suppliers Group. Beijing has argued that Delhi was not part of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty. On the other hand, China has been supporting Pakistan's, which had applied for NSG membership in 2016, entry to the group.Barring the NSG, India has gained entry in the remaining three important export control regimes--- Missile Technology Control Regime, Wassenaar Agreement and the Australia Group.
Beijing's growing expansionist ambition in the South China Sea and its rapid militarisation of ports has been a point of contention for many Asian countries and also global powers like the US. ASEAN countries are looking forward to find a solution to the ongoing regional crisis. Recently, India and Vietnam had highlighted the importance of freedom of navigation in the South China Sea. China though has objected India's interference in the issue.
China and India have been competing to control the Indian Ocean region with both countries having military and economic presence in bordering countries. They are planning commercial projects, which may also be used for defence use. While Beijing has set up an overseas military base in Djibouti, New Delhi has sought to access facilities in the Seychelles, Oman and Singapore.