India-China: Progress in border talks, reciprocal visit by Chinese army this year
14 Jan 2008
India and China on Monday announced their decision to hold a second joint military exercise this year. In a related statement the two sides also welcomed the "progress" in negotiations on the boundary issue.
Indian prime minister, Manmohan Singh, and his Chinese counterpart, Wen Jiabao, agreed during extensive talks to substantially enhance the economic engagement of both countries by stepping up the bilateral trade target from $40 billion to $60 billion by 2010.
Meanwhile, after concluding a successful joint military exercise in Kumming in China, the two leaders have now decided to hold a reciprocal military exercise in India.
"We have agreed to continue to deepening mutual understanding and trust between our armed forces and welcome the successful first exercise in Kumming," Singh said.
On the outstanding boundary question, the two sides had "successful" discussions, the Prime Minister said at a press conference after the talks at the ornate Great Hall of the People.
"We welcome the progress made by Special Representatives for seeking a framework for settlement of the boundary question that is fair, reasonable and mutually acceptable and based on guiding principles and political parameters signed in April 2005."
While the SRs will continue the discussions, both sides reiterated their mutual commitment to maintaining peace and tranquillity on the border.
