Bhutan–China relations

Bhutan-China relations refer to the international relationship between the Kingdom of Bhutan and the People's Republic of China. As of present, Bhutan and China do not share an official diplomatic relationship with one another.

Historically, Bhutan has followed a path of isolationism and non-alignment extending from the Cold War era to the present day. Bhutan's lack of formal diplomatic relations extend far beyond China; Bhutan does not have an official diplomatic relationship with any of the other four permanent member states of the United Nations Security Council.

Geographically, Bhutan is sandwiched between the two neighbouring states of India to the south and China to the north and northeast. The Bhutan-China border runs approximately 477 km across very mountainous Himalayan terrain, connecting northern regions of Bhutan on the south of the border with the Tibet Autonomous Region of China north of the border. The Bhutan-China border is porous and poorly demarcated, and has been a source of long running tension between the two states. Territorial disputes with Bhutan have been a source of potential conflict. Since 1984, the two governments have conducted regular talks on border and security issues to reduce tensions.