British Deputy Prime Minister John Prescott on January 12 praised China for the achievements it had made in recent years and wished the bilateral relationship between the two countries would develop further.

During talks with visiting Chinese Defense Minister Chi Haotian Prescott expressed his admiration for the policies China adopted during the financial crisis in Asia last year.

He also spoke highly of the relationship between China and Britain and wished that the friendly cooperation between the two nations in all the fields could be promoted to step further.

Prescott said he was satisfied with the development of Hong Kong in the recent two years after it was handed over to China.

Chi, who is also vice-chairman of the Central Military Commission of China and a state councilor, briefed Prescott on the situation and development in China.

Although China has experienced some difficulties, it is keeping the trend of a sustained and stable growth in the national economy, Chi said.

The defense minister said the year 1999, during which China celebrated its 50th anniversary, experienced the return of Macao and successfully launched its first spaceship, is of historical significance to China.

On the bilateral relations, Chi said to maintain and develop a stable and long-term cooperation between China and Britain is the common wish of the two countries.

Such a relationship is benefit to the two peoples and will also be beneficial to the peace and stability of the world, said Chi.

Chi arrived in London Tuesday on an official good-will visit to Britain at the invitation of British Defense Secretary Geoff Hoon.

Britain is the first leg of Chi's four nation visit. He is also scheduled to visit Russia, the Democratic People's Republic of Korea and Mongolia. (Xinhua)