India, China agree to maintain peace and tranquility along the border

India and China agreed to maintain peace and tranquility along the border as the 17th round of talks between the Special Representatives of both the countries on the Boundary Question took place here on Tuesday.

National Security Adviser (NSA) Shivshankar Menon, designated as the special representative from the Indian side, held deliberations with Chinese State Councillor, Yang Jiechi to defuse the tensions and work out an amicable solution.

The talks were held in a candid, friendly and constructive atmosphere.

The Special Representatives made a positive evaluation of India-China relations in the aftermath of the visit by Chinese Premier Li Keqiang to India and the return visit to China by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh last year.

They agreed that a strong and expanding India-China partnership bodes well for peace and stability in the region and the world.

"Even while we are discussing this issue of boundary framework, there was an acceptance by both sides that they discussed and agreed that the continued maintenance of peace and tranquility in the India-China border areas is the cornerstone of an expanding India-China relationship," Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Syed Akbaruddin told media here today.

The Special Representatives expressed satisfaction that 2014 would be marked as the Year of Friendly Exchanges with a series of economic, cultural and social events in both countries. They stressed the need for continuing the momentum of high-level exchanges and enhancing people-to-people ties.

The two sides encouraged the holding of regular dialogues between the two Governments on all bilateral issues, including on counter-terrorism, disarmament and international security and maritime affairs on schedule.

The Special Representatives continued their discussions on a framework for a resolution of the Boundary Question, the second of a three-step process earlier agreed to by both sides. This will be based on the Agreement on the Political Parameters and Guiding Principles for the Settlement of the India-China Boundary Question.

They also elaborated on possible additional confidence building measures, including the early implementation of the Border Defence Cooperation Agreement.

They welcomed the decision to have an early meeting in 2014 of the Annual Defence Dialogue. These measures augur well for building the habit of regular discussions between the two sides which will enhance trust and understanding.

The discussions also focused on regional and international issues of mutual interest including cooperation in the East Asia Summit process as well as developments in West Asia and Afghanistan. They agreed to expand India-China consultations on such subjects.

State Councillor Yang Jiechi also called on Prime Minister Manmohan Singh.