India softens on Xinjiang (Asia Times Online)

A very interesting article with in-depth analysis on the significance of a recent visit by the governer of China's Xinjiang province.

It was the first time in several decades that a leader from Xinjiang has visited India. One of the main reasons for the estrangement is the border dispute. Chinese maps show parts of J&K (Aksai Chin and Shaksgam Valley) as part of Xinjiang.

The recent thaw in relations seems to be due to the economic boom in Xinjiang and its of Xinjiang to resource-rich Central Asia.

The article also talks of the Chinese proposal of an "east-west swap" as a way to settle the border disputes. China has already recognised Sikkim as part of India and the article says that the idea of an "east west swap" is gaining favor in Delhi.