China-India border area standoff eases

The two neighbors withdraw troops from camps as close talks continue

Beijing confirmed on Monday that China and India have made positive developments in a three-week border standoff, and called for joint efforts to create a "fair and reasonable" border treaty.

Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying said at a daily news conference that both sides have maintained close contact through border-related channels. The attitude has been cooperative, and the talks are producing positive developments, she said.

India and China simultaneously withdrew troops from camps on Sunday after the two sides reached an agreement during a meeting between border commanders, AFP reported.

Tensions flared between the two neighbors after Indian media claimed that Chinese defense troops "trespassed on Indian territory" in the western sector of the disputed border area in mid-April.

Beijing has disputed the charge, saying that Chinese border defense troops, committed to safeguarding peace and tranquility in the border area, did not cross the Line of Actual Control.

The deadlock continued while both sides have engaged in border talks.

On Monday, the Indian Foreign Ministry confirmed that Foreign Minister Salman Khurshid will come to Beijing as scheduled on Thursday, where he will "discuss bilateral, regional and global issues of concern" with his Chinese counterpart, a spokesman was quoted by AFP as saying.

Premier Li Keqiang will also conduct a planned visit to New Delhi later this month.

Analysts said the incident will not cast a shadow on the general situation of bilateral ties as India and China, fully aware of the importance of friendly relations, will work to resolve differences through established mechanisms.