Neighbors vow to continue border talks

China and India have expressed agreement on the nature of future efforts to resolve their ongoing border issues.

The two nations agreed on Tuesday to continue with the existing strategies and the political guiding principles, making joint efforts to reach a mutually acceptable framework for a final solution.

The agreement came after a two-day meeting between special representatives from both sides in New Delhi, part of the 17th round of talks on border issues on Monday and Tuesday.

The talks were co-chaired by Chinese State Councilor Yang Jiechi and Indian National Security Adviser Shiv Shankar Menon.

"The two countries agreed that continuing negotiations on the border issues have efficiently controlled the differences of the two sides and created a favorable environment for the healthy and smooth development of bilateral ties," the Chinese government said in a statement on Tuesday.

Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh said that such meetings perform a very positive function.

He said that he expects the two countries to work more closely through multilateral systems, such as G20 and BRICS.

Yang said the border talks have made some progress and that the two sides should continue to seek a fair, reasonable and mutually acceptable solution to the issue, while jointly safeguarding peace and tranquility in the border areas.

"China is willing to enhance strategic trust with India and deepen pragmatic cooperation in various fields, to promote regional economic integration, and to make greater contributions for the development of Asia and the world," he added.

Hu Shisheng, director of the Institute of South and Southeast Asian and Oceanian Studies at the China Institutes of Contemporary International Relations, said the meeting has become a sign of good relations between China and India.

zhaoyanrong@chinadaily.com.cn

(China Daily 02/12/2014 page12)