China is ready to expand the traditional friendship with Cambodia to greater depth and stronger position in the new century, Chinese National People's Congress (NPC) Standing Committee Chairman Wu Bangguo said in Beijing Monday.

Wu met with the King of the Kingdom of Cambodia, Norodom Sihanouk, and Queen Norodom Monineath Sihanouk in the Great Hall of the People Monday afternoon.

Wu said thanks to the attention and cultivation of the King and three generations of Chinese leadership, Sino-Cambodian friendship had withstood great changes in the international situation and continued to grow stronger.

Wu said the new leadership of China treasures the friendship between the two countries and is ready to deepen and consolidate the friendly, cooperative and good-neighborly relationship in an all-round way.

Wu appreciated the King and government of Cambodia for their consistent adherence to the "one-China" policy and firm support of the Chinese government's stance on such issues as Taiwan and Tibet.

Sihanouk reiterated that Cambodia will continue to adhere to the "one-China" policy and firmly oppose to separatist activities of the separatist force seeking "Taiwan independence."

Sihanouk reviewed his friendship with the three generations of Chinese leaders and praised China as a trustworthy friend of Cambodia. He thanked the Chinese people and government for their support and assistance to Cambodia over the years and for their remarkable contribution to the peace and development of Cambodia.

King Norodom Sihanouk and Queen Norodom Monineath Sihanouk arrived in Beijing from Pyongyang on Aug. 3 for a routine medical examination and short retreat in China.

(Xinhua News Agency August 10, 2004)