(Xinhua)
Updated: 2008-01-18 20:43

Chinese President Hu Jintao called for more Sino-British exchanges and cooperation when meeting with visiting British Prime Minister Gordon Brown in Beijing on Friday.

Chinese President Hu Jintao (R) meets British Prime Minister Gordon Brown in Beijing January 18, 2008. [Agencies]

Hu said both China and Britain shoulder important responsibilities in maintaining world peace and promoting mutual development. China and Britain need to enhance cooperation taking into consideration international political and economic pattern in the 21st century.

"The Sino-British exchanges and cooperation conform to the trend of globalization and the self-development of the two countries, and China has always been handling Sino-British relations from a strategic and global perspective," Hu said.

"Chinese side appreciated the British side's adherence to the one-China policy, clear opposition to the Taiwan authorities' planned "referendum" on UN membership, and support for China's peaceful reunification," Hu said.

Brown said that Britain's position on one-China policy, which is consistent, clear and firm, would not change.

Britain hoped that the two sides can enhance bilateral cooperation in various fields as well as in addressing international and regional issues, said Brown.

Hu Jintao also pointed to the strengthening of strategic mutual trust, the expansion of concrete cooperation, and the increasingly close communication and coordination in addressing international and regional affairs.

"I believe as long as both sides look into the future and make unremitting efforts, China and Britain will certainly be able to transcend the differences in historical traditions, social systems, and economic development levels, and forge a comprehensive strategic partnership to benefit Chinese and British people and people from all over the world," Hu said.