India, China forces meet at Arunachal border

Armed forces of India and China have held a 'warm' meeting at a new border point in Arunachal Pradesh.

The two sides had met on Saturday at the Kibithu area and discussed modalities for conduct of their troops along the border, an official release said in New Delhi on Monday.

"The meeting and exchanges were characterised by great warmth and bonhomie," it said, adding: "It is for the first time that the border meeting has taken place in Area Kibithu, in the Anjaw district of the state. It marks another milestone in the growing relationship and military exchanges between the armed forces of the two countries."

Border meetings between personnel of the armed forces of the two countries have traditionally been held at Chusul in Ladakh, Nathu La in Sikkim and Bumla in Kameng district of Arunachal Pradesh.

The border talks coincided with the visit of Chinese President Hu Jintao and took place close on the heels of a controversial statement by Chinese Ambassador Sun Yuxi that 'entire Arunachal is Chinese territory.'

The meeting was held with due pomp and ceremony in the area close to the Line of Actual Control. Personnel of the Indian army went to considerable length to create a very hospitable ambience in what is otherwise an area with few facilities in the vicinity, the release said.

The Chinese delegation was led by Col Li Shi Zhong and consisted of six officers along with military photographers and support staff. The Indian delegation was headed by Brig A K Bardolai.