National Security Adviser Brajesh Mishra on Thursday began talks with Chinese Senior Vice-Minister Dai Bingguo to evolve a framework for the resolution of the border dispute.

Mishra and Dai were appointed as special representatives to hold talks during Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee's recent China visit.

MEA circles exuded optimism and said the Chinese leadership is 'well disposed' towards resolving the border dispute, which has strained relations for over four decades.

In Shanghai, Vajpayee had said, 'I came here to build India-China ties and build trust.' Vajpayee's recent China visit led to a thaw between New Delhi and Beijing.

So far, 14 meetings of the India-China Joint Working Groups have taken place.

The border dispute pertains to India's claim that 90,000 sq km of territory is held by China in the eastern sector.