China, India begin border talks

China and India have finished the first day's closed-door meeting of the 13th round of talks to resolve their long-disputed border.

Chinese State Councilor, Dai Bingguo, and Indian National Security Advisor, M.K. Narayanan, made a commitment to maintain their strategic and cooperative partnership.

The two-day talks will focus on narrowing differences along the Himalayan border. The Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman, Ma Zhaoxu, said on Thursday, the two sides are expected to exchange views and seek a political solution to the disputed border, in an effort to maintain peace in the region.

The Ministry also said that China and India share common views on global climate change. Dai Bingguo was also scheduled to meet Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on Friday evening.