Chinese Vice Premier Huang Ju said in Beijing Tuesday that China and Britain should expand their political dialog and economic cooperation in order to forge a better relationship.  

In talks with visiting British Deputy Prime Minister and First Secretary of State John Prescott, Huang said the two countries need to strengthen ties in sectors like energy industry, petrochemical production, aviation, financial service and education service.

The new leadership of China attaches great importance to developing friendly cooperative relations with Britain.

During his recent visit to China, British Prime Minister Tony Blair reached consensus with Chinese leaders on enhancing the bilateral ties, Huang said.

Since the establishment of a comprehensive partnership between the two sides, Huang said, China and Britain have had frequent high-profile visits, increased political dialog and consultation, closely cooperated with each other on international affairs, and promoted mutual understanding and trust.

China is satisfied with the current situation of relations with Britain, he added.

Prescott said that the British government also attaches great importance to the bilateral relations.

Initiated by Prime Minister Blair, he said, a special panel was set up lately, discussing how to strengthen the bilateral relationship.

The major mission of his current China visit is to exchange views with the Chinese on how to increase cooperation in the political, economic and trade, scientific and technological and cultural fields.

The British side is willing to push forward the friendly relationship, he said.

Huang and Prescott also exchanged views on business cooperation, the Korean nuclear issue and other international and regional issues.

(Xinhua News Agency November 12, 2003)