Urgent need to push forward boundary talks: China to India

 There is an urgent need to redouble efforts to push forward negotiations for a framework agreement on India-China boundary settlement, a top Chinese official said here in the backdrop of recent deep incursion in Ladakh sector.

Describing the incursion as "isolated" incident, Chinese officials said it showed the "well-tested effectiveness" of the mechanisms of communication between the two countries over boundary issues.

"We need to redouble our efforts to push forward framework negotiations so that we can reach at a fair, reasonable and mutually acceptable solution at an early date," said Qin Gang, Spokesperson and Director-General of Information Department in the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

However, Qin, at an interaction with media which was organised by Ministry of External Affairs, cautioned that "while looking at important issue of boundary, we have to bear in mind the whole picture of our developing relations. And bear in mind the interest and benefits of good and cooperative China-India relations." 

Last month, Chinese troops on April 15 intruded nearly 19 kms inside in Daulat Beg Oldi sector in Ladakh, prompting Indian troops to erect tents in front of them. The "face -to-face" situation was finally resolved after three weeks.

Asserting that Chinese Premier Li Keqiang's first overseas visit to India since assuming office reflects the significance China attaches with this country, Chinese official sources said during his visit, Li will hold meetings with Indian leadership and others to know them better and, thereby, enhance bilateral ties.

The visit was also aimed at elevating bilateral business ties and will provide a platform for mutual investment cooperation between businesses of two countries, they said, adding the two sides are expected to establish a CEOs' forum among other initiatives to boost economic ties.

The officials said that to sum up, the Chinese have four major expectations from Li's visit --"to deepen our mutual understanding, promote our friendship, deepen our mutual trust and to promote our cooperation".

Asked if the boundary issue will be discussed in detail during Li's visit, the Chinese officials said the boundary issue, left over by history, will take time to resolve and how it will be resolved and how quickly it will be resolved will depend on the political will of the two countries.

They also said "practise and wisdom" was required to deal with the boundary issue, on which so far 15 rounds of talks between the Special Representatives of India and China have been held.

While noting that India and China were two neighbours with "unresolved" issues, they also said China seeks good neighbourly relations with India.

India and China are two growing economies and need to have good coordination and communication for the good of the region and the world, the officials said.

The officials also said media reports should not be seen as Chinese government policies and asked the media to act responsibly while reporting on bilateral ties.

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