The top legislature on Monday started deliberating a treaty, which defines the point where the national borders of China, Vietnam and Laos meet.

The treaty, which was signed last October by the foreign ministries of the three countries, is expected to be passed at the 26th session of the Standing Committee of China's National People's Congress (NPC).

The three countries plan to erect a boundary stone at the tri-border junction, which lies on the Shiceng Dashan Mountain.

The location, shape and specifications of the stone must not be changed without prior agreement and no other boundary stones should be erected at the point, the treaty says.

Vice Foreign Minister Li Jinzhang said the treaty would help maintain stability in the border area and strengthen China's relations with Vietnam and Laos.

(Xinhua News Agency February 26, 2007)