Blair Meets Chinese Vice PremierBritish Prime Minister Tony Blair met in London Thursday with Chinese Vice Premier Wen Jiabao and they exchanged views on bilateral relations and other issues of mutual concern.The Chinese vice premier said that in recent years, the exchange of visits by the heads of government of the two countries, and particularly Chinese President Jiang Zemin's successful visit to Britain, have pushed the China-UK relations into a new level. He said Britain is an important member of the European Union, and China attaches great importance to developing friendly ties with Britain. Besides political consultation, China also hoped to establish a comprehensive China-UK partnership in the economic, trade, education, science and technology fields, he added. The Chinese vice premier also reaffirmed the Chinese government 's stance on the Taiwan issue. He hoped the British government would continue to adhere to the One China principle. Blair said the British government attaches great importance to developing stable relations with China. In the current world, strengthening cooperation between big nations is beneficial to world peace and development, he added. On the Taiwan issue, Blair said that from the historical perspective, he fully understands the importance of China's national reunification. He reaffirmed that the British government' s position toward the One China policy remains unchanged. The Chinese vice premier arrived in London Tuesday for a six-day official visit to Britain. |
| People's Daily Online --- http://www.peopledaily.com.cn/english/ |