India, China discuss border issue

New Delhi, Mar 11 (UNI) Indian and Chinese Special Representatives on border issue met here today for the seventh round of talks in an attempt to find a solution to the decades-old problem between the two countries and discussed the nitty gritties of how to end the stalemate.

The two Special Representatives--National Security Advisor (NSA) M K Narayanan and Chinese Executive Vice Foreign Minister Dai Bingguo--will continue the talks tomorrow at the picturesque resort of Kumarakom in Kerala.

Although no official word was available on today's deliberations, sources said the officials held a preliminary round today.

Before holding discussions today, the Chinese Special Representative called on Prime Minister Manmohan Singh. Officials described it a courtesy call. The meeting lasted nearly 30-minutes.

India says China occupies 38,000sq km of Indian territory in Kashmir while Beijing lays claim on 90,000 sq km in Arunachal Pradesh.

The two governments appointed special representatives in June 2003 to address the issues. The last round of talks on solving the boundary dispute was held in Beijing in September.

UNI RB VD KN1855