'Border talks with India has sent a clear message o the world'

The just concluded meeting of Special Representatives on the India-China border dispute has sent a clear message to the world that both countries will not allow differences to come in the way of developing their relations, state media here said today.

An editorial in the state-run China Daily on the just concluded talks between National Security Advisor Shivshankar Menon and his Chinese counterpart Dai Bingguo said every step by the two countries will have a positive impact on the world and good news for the region and world.

Menon left yesterday after three day visit to China.

During his talks with Dai, the two sides agreed on "common understanding", notifying the progress made on the framework for the border delineation to be approved by the leadership of both the countries.

"The informal meeting between China and India on border issues held on Tuesday in Beijing has sent a clear message to the outside world: The two emerging powers in the region are taking steps to solve their problems and will not allow their differences to stand in the way of developing bilateral ties" the editorial said.

"Over the years, the two countries have blazed new trails in coping with their disagreements. To date, special representatives from the two sides have held 15 rounds of talks on border issues", it said.

"It is good to see that the two countries are continuing to expand their consensus within the framework for solving the border issues. They have vowed to always bear in mind the general picture of bilateral ties and uphold the spirit of peace, friendship, equal consultation, mutual respect and mutual understanding", it said.

"By pledging that they are committed to safeguarding peace and stability in border areas and building mutual military trust, the two neighbours have created a constructive atmosphere for solving the border issue as well as promoting the healthy growth of bilateral ties. This is good news for both sides and the region as a whole", it said.

The editorial said that the boundary question is just a tiny part of China-India relations.

"The two are cooperative partners, not competitive rivals, as they have far more common ground than differences. Their convergence of interests weighs much greater than their disputes," it said.

The editorial noted as two emerging powers in Asia, India and China have been increasingly looked upon by the outside world when the international community addresses major global issues such as world economic recovery and climate change.

"Every step forward in the two countries' development and their bilateral ties will have a positive impact on peace, security and cooperation in the region and beyond", it said.

Asked about the meeting, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Hong Lei said "the two countries will promote political mutual trust, economic cooperation, people-to-people and cultural exchanges and exchanges and cooperation across the board".