Maintenance of peace and tranquility in the border areas remained the focus of discussion in the 16th round of talks between Special Representatives of India and China held in Beijing.

National Security Advisor Shivshankar Menon and Chinese State Councillor Yang Jiechi discussed the possible additional confidence building measures, ways and means of strengthening existing mechanisms for consultation and coordination on border affairs.

A statement issued by the Ministry of External Affairs in New Delhi termed the two-day talks, which concluded today as productive, constructive and forward-looking.

It said, Mr. Menon and his Chinese counterpart Yang Jiechi continued their discussions on a framework for a resolution of the boundary question.

They also reviewed the status of bilateral relations in the wake of the Chinese Prime Minister's recent visit to India and discussed regional and global issues of mutual interest.

AIR correspondent reports that the talks are considered to be of special significance in the wake of leadership transition in China and the recent strains on the Line of Actual Control following Chinese incursion in Depsang in Ladakh.

The visit of National Security Advisor is likely to be followed by Defence Minister A K Antony's visit next week.