People's Republic of China Bilateral relations between the Himalayan kingdom of Bhutan and the People's Republic of China have been traditionally tense and strained and they do not maintain official diplomatic relations. A New Bhutan Calling Bhutan-China relations India and the upcoming Druk democracy China shares a contiguous border of 470 kilometres with Bhutan to the north and its territorial disputes with Bhutan have also been source of potential conflict. Since the 1980s, both governments have conducted regular talks on border and security issues aimed at reducing tensions. A New Bhutan Calling Bhutan-China relations India and the upcoming Druk democracy

Background

Throughout history, Bhutan has strong cultural, historical, religious and economic ties to Tibet, but Bhutan's ties with British India caused a degree of tension with both Tibet and China. Bhutan - China relations The occupation of Tibet in 1951 by Communist China caused considerable tension within Bhutan, which feared Chinese aggression. Bhutan - China relations Institute of Peace and Conflict StudiesIts border with China has never been officially recognized and demarcated and the popular uprisings against Communist China in Tibet in 1959 and the Dalai Lama's escape to India made security from China a key priority for Bhutan. An estimated 6,000 Tibetan refugees fled to Bhutan. Bhutan - China relations