BEIJING- India is trying its level best to improve its bilateral relationswith China as a tactical move and not as a part of long term strategy.

External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj held key bilateral talks with herChinese counterpart Wang Yi as she kicks off a three-day visit to China onSunday.

The talks were aimed at laying the groundwork for Prime Minister NarendraModi’s visit to China later in the year.

Swaraj and Wang are expected to announce details of the PM’s visit.

Modi will be in Qingdao in early June to attend the summit of the ShanghaiCooperation Organisation (SCO).

Reports have said he may also travel separately to China in coming weeksfor a meeting with President Xi Jinping. This would be the first meetingbetween the two leaders since Xi began his second term in March.

The meeting between Swaraj and Wang has added significance because inMarch, Wang was given the additional portfolio of state councillor or topdiplomat.

Swaraj has confirmed that this will come with the added responsibility oftaking over as special representative on the border talks with India.

On Tuesday, Swaraj will attend a summit of SCO foreign ministers.