China has suggested resolving Sino-Indian border disputes through consultations on 'equal footing, mutual understanding, accommodation and mutual adjustment'.

The suggestion comes ahead of Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee's visit to China, probably from June 22 to June 26.

The issue also figured during the meeting between Vajpayee and Chinese President Hu Jintao in St Petersberg, Russia last week.

"The two countries should proceed from the friendship between them and properly handle it (border issue), following the principles of consultations on equal footing, mutual understanding and accommodation and mutual adjustment," Hu told Vajpayee, according to Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Zhang Qiyue.

Qiyue said Hu told Vajpayee that China wanted to strengthen cooperation with India in all areas and was looking forward to his visit.