Premier Zhu Rongji said on November 10 that China has always maintained a positive attitude towards its entry into the World Trade Organization (WTO), but should become a member as a developing nation.

Zhu told visiting Danish Foreign Minister Niels Petersen at the Great Hall of the People that China can enter the WTO only as a developing country, and China's rights and obligations should be given equal status.

Petersen, who arrived here on Sunday on a five-day official visit, said that Denmark actively supports China's early entry into the WTO and hopes negotiations with relevant countries in this regard will be a success.

Speaking of the bilateral relations, the Chinese premier said that the Chinese government values very much developing relations with Denmark and expressed the belief that the coming century will see a greater and quicker growth of the bilateral ties with the joint efforts of the two countries, for the two countries established their diplomatic ties very early and their cooperation is wide-ranging and there exists great potential for such cooperation.

Petersen agreed with Zhu, saying that next year will mark the 50th anniversary of the establishment of the diplomatic ties of the two countries,Denmark will hold grand celebrations to mark the occasion, and will promote the further growth of the bilateral relations.

Zhu also briefed the Danish visitors on China's domestic situation.