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Tara Shankar Sahay in New Delhi
India and China on Monday agreed to set up an anti-terrorism mechanism following exchange of views between Chinese Premier Zhu Rongji and Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, Chinese spokeswoman Zhang Qiyue said.
Briefing reporters late on Monday evening following talks between the Indian and Chinese leaders after which six important agreements were signed between the two countries, she pointed out that Prime Minister Vajpayee had stated India's position on terrorism.
"We (China) were shocked at the December 13 attack on Indian Parliament expressed our condemnation," Zhang said, adding that the Chinese premier indicated he hoped that the disputes (between India and Pakistan) would be solved through peaceful means in conformity with peace in South Asia.
Zhang, however, also pointed out that the two sides noted that there were problems in Sino-Indian bilateral relations, which could be solved.
But Zhang circumvented a question, which sought to know whether China had supported India's stand on terrorism.
She said China had declared its support for the international efforts against terrorism.
"China's position is clear, it is opposed to terrorism and supportive of international efforts against it," she contended.
Asked about the border dispute between China and India, she pointed out that the joint working group between the two countries would continue the annual consultations.
Zhang said the two sides agreed on the important principles on mutual consultations and the problems could be solved through mutual re-adjustment.
She said that Premier Zhu had invited Prime Minister Vajpayee to China at his earliest convenience.
She also pointed out that in order to facilitate high-level exchanges between the two countries, as agreed by both, China's Eastern Airlines would start flights from Beijing to New Delhi in late March.
She added that her country invited External Affairs minister Jaswant Singh to catch the first flight to Beijing.
Zhang pointed out that Premier Zhu appreciated the outcome of the recent SAARC meet in Kathmandu and said that regional cooperation should be promoted.
Earlier Report: China poses no threat to India, assured Rongji
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