India, China firm on resolving boundary dispute

China today said it was ready to break new ground with India to resolve the boundary dispute as the Special Representatives of the two nations held the 16th round of border talks to find a solution to the issue.

"I stand ready to work with you to build on the work of our predecessors and break new ground to strive for the settlement of the China-India boundary question and to make greater progress in the China India strategic an cooperative partnership in the new period," Chinese Special Representative Yang Jiechi said.

Jiechi, who welcomed his Indian counterpart National Security Advisor Shivshankar Menon, said the two Special Representatives have a lofty mission and heavy responsibilities.

"First of all let me warmly welcome you to come to China for the 16th round of the Special Representatives meeting on the China-India boundary question," Jiechi said.

"You and I have known each other for a long time. We are very familiar with each other and established a good working relationship and personal friendship," he said.

The Indian National Security Advisor on his part expressed his pleasure to hold talks with the newly-appointed Chinese Special Representative.

"You are an old friend and in India you are known for your various contributions you have made to the positive development of our bilateral relations," he said.