‘Boundary talks making progress’

By RAGHAVENDRA

Beijing, May 22: China on Thursday said its talks with India on the long-festering boundary problem were "making progress" but "it takes time" to resolve such issues as it insisted on maintaining border tranquillity to ensure that there were "no minor clashes".

The special representatives of both countries were "working very efficiently" and making progress but "it takes time and strenuous efforts to reach the final agreement," Chinese assistant minister of foreign affairs He Yafei told a delegation of journalists from Saarc nations.

"We do have a border issue. There is no doubt about it. We have a mechanism of special representatives designated by our leadership. They are working very efficiently and making progress. We are making progress," he said.

But, meanwhile, he said, "I think it is important to maintain border tranquillity and make sure there are no minor clashes in the border area so that you will be building confidence."

Mr He Yafei, who is in charge of Asia in the ministry, said, "We are optimistic and I am personally optimistic that this (boundary) issue will be resolved if we put the larger picture in our mind and have the long-term interests of our people in our heart."

"We can resolve these issues. But it takes time. It takes time," he said. The special representatives of India and China on the boundary row have held 11 rounds of talks so far. (PTI)