External Affairs Minister Salman Khurshid arrived in Beijing on a two-day visit to China. During his visit, Mr. Khurshid will hold talks with his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi and will also meet Premier Li Keqiang scheduled to visit India later this month. Mr Khurshid is also expected to meet State Councillor and former Chinese Foreign Minister, Yang Jiechi.

The incursion in Ladakh is expected to figure prominently during Mr Khurshid's talks with Chinese leaders. Besides the border incident, Mr Li's proposed visit is also high on Mr Khurshid's agenda. It will be Mr Li's first visit abroad after he assumed office in March. Ahead of his visit, Mr Khrushid expressed satisfaction over the maturity and understanding shown by two sides in trying to resolve the stand-off at the Daulat Beig Oldi in the Ladakh region where Chinese troops intruded 19 km into Indian territory.

Talking to China Radio International, Mr Khurshid hoped that bilateral ties will be strengthened under new Chinese leadership. Meanwhile, China has also called for proper and timely settlement of the boundary issues with India to preserve peace at the borders. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Hua Chunying said yesterday that China would like to continue to work with India to safeguard peace and stability in the border areas.