While meeting with visiting British Defense Secretary Geoff Hoon
on Thursday in Beijing, Jia
Qinglin, chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese
People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), said
China and Britain are cultivating a strategic partnership and
further enhancing their bilateral trade and economic ties.
Britain is China's largest investor from the European Union and
one of the most important trade partners in Europe.
Although different in ideology and methodology, both countries
seek to strengthen bilateral relations, participate in
international affairs and safeguard world stability.
Jia also briefed Hoon on the latest economic and social
development in China, and praised Britain for its commitment to the
one-China policy.
Hoon said China had made remarkable achievements in the past two
decades and relations between the two countries had developed
well.
Exchange between the two militaries might push forward the
bilateral relations in an overall way, he added.
He reiterated that his government will adhere to the one-China
policy.
(Xinhua News Agency September 24, 2004)