Beijing, June 21: On the eve of Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee's visit to China, his Chinese counterpart Wen Jiabao today said Beijing was ready to advance the pace of talks for a "fair" and "mutually acceptable" solution to the vexed Sino-India boundary issue and emphasised the need for keeping the border areas peaceful and tranquil. In a wide-ranging interview to Indian journalists before Vajpayee's six-day official visit to china from tomorrow, Wen, who became premier in March, said the boundary issue is "a historical burden on our two countries left over by the colonialists."
"The Chinese side stands for a fair, reasonable and mutually acceptable solution to the issue, a solution that can be found through bilateral talks in accordance with the principles of consultation on an equal footing, mutual understanding, mutual accommodation and mutual adjustment," Wen said.
He said that while the two sides are negotiating a solution to the border issue, Beijing and New Delhi should do their "very best" to keep the border areas peaceful and tranquil.
During the interview he allayed fears that China might emerge as a threat and seek hegemony in the region because of its rising economic and military might. He also wanted India and Pakistan to settle the Kashmir issue through peaceful dialogue.
On Vajpayee's visit, the first by an Indian prime minister in a decade, Wen said it "will have a positive impact on bilateral relations and regional peace and stability."
Bureau Report