Indian Foreign Minister Jaswant Singh begins a five-day visit to Beijing Friday, amid signs of improving relations between the two Asian giants. Mr. Singh will be taking one of the first-ever direct commercial flights between Beijing and New Delhi. Mr. Singh's talks in China are expected to focus on countering terrorism, bilateral trade and the ongoing boundary dispute. The diplomatic trip follows the first visit by a Chinese prime minister in a decade. Chinese Prime Minister Zhu Rongji visited New Delhi in January. During his visit both sides formed a joint working group on anti-terrorism. 

Relations between China and India have been strained by border disputes - one of which erupted into a brief war in 1962. China has also supplied conventional weapons to India's rival Pakistan. However, Chinese officials say they want to take a more even-handed approach in relations with South Asia. 

Chinese and Indian officials believe the opening of regular, direct flights symbolize efforts by both countries to improve relations. China Eastern Airlines will fly twice a week from Shanghai to Delhi via Beijing. 

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