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Backgrounder of China-India border issue

(chinadaily.com.cn)
Updated: 2009-08-07 09:35

China and India established the mechanism of the representatives of both governments in 2003.

In 2005, the two sides agreed on a set of political principles during the visit of Premier Wen Jiabao to New Delhi to guide both sides in the task of finding a mutually satisfactory solution.

China and India announced the establishment of their strategic partnership for peace and prosperity in April, 2005 in a joint statement signed by Premier Wen Jiabao and Singh.

Chinese President Hu Jintao paid a state visit to India in December, 2006. He noted that bilateral relations had maintained sound momentum in recent years and the two sides had enjoyed good co-ordination in international and regional affairs.

During Hu's visit, the heads of two countries pledged to maintain regular exchanges between heads of states and increase high-level exchanges.

Thirteen agreements were signed between the two nations, including one to set up a Chinese consulate in Kolkata and Indian one in Guangzhou, while the dispute over the property of the Indian Consulate in Shanghai has also been settled.

Indian External Affairs Minister Pranab Mukherjee visited China last year, calling on China and India to be patient and realistic in resolving the border issue.

Mukherjee also urged China to join hands with India in evolving a subregional security architecture "which takes into account the conditions prevailing in Asia" to help address common concerns, including the security of sea lanes.

The two sides have signed several agreements to maintain peace and build trust between the two militaries in border areas.

Chronology of China-India border issue:

1962: Border conflict interrupts healthy development of relations between the two countries.

1992: Border trade resumes in July after a hiatus of more than 30 years. Consulates reopen in Mumbai and Shanghai in December.

September 1993: The two sides sign the Agreement on the Maintenance of Peace and Tranquility along the Line of Actual Control in the India-China Border Area.