Chinese President Jiang Zemin extended his "warm congratulations" to Vladimir Putin for his victory in the Russian presidential elections during a hotline phone call Monday afternoon.

Jiang, who earlier sent a message of congratulations to Putin prior to the call, expressed his appreciation for Putin's efforts as acting Russian president to promote the steady growth of Sino-Russian relations.

He said that both the fundamental interests of China and Russia and the special responsibilities taken on by the two countries require that they further consolidate and deepen their strategic partnership of cooperation.

Jiang said he believes that Sino-Russian relations will surely see even better development in the new century with the concerted efforts of both sides.

During the phone conversation, Putin told Jiang, "You are the first foreign leader who has extended congratulations to me."

Developing and deepening the strategic partnership of cooperation with China is a priority of Russia's foreign policy, Putin stressed.

Putin said that Russia respects and supports China's stance on the Taiwan issue.

He told Jiang that Russia does not support "Taiwan independence, " "two Chinas," or "one China, one Taiwan," and will not allow Taiwan's entry into any international organization requiring that members be sovereign states.

Putin reiterated that Russia will not provide weapons to Taiwan.

Putin said that he shares the belief with Jiang that Russia-China ties will see all-around development in the new century.

Jiang extended his gratitude for this stance by Russia, and expressed appreciation for Russia's efforts to safeguard national unity and territorial integrity.