While meeting with visiting British Defense Secretary Geoff Hoon on Thursday in Beijing, Jia Qinglin, chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), said China and Britain are cultivating a strategic partnership and further enhancing their bilateral trade and economic ties.

Britain is China's largest investor from the European Union and one of the most important trade partners in Europe.

Although different in ideology and methodology, both countries seek to strengthen bilateral relations, participate in international affairs and safeguard world stability.

Jia also briefed Hoon on the latest economic and social development in China, and praised Britain for its commitment to the one-China policy.

Hoon said China had made remarkable achievements in the past two decades and relations between the two countries had developed well.

Exchange between the two militaries might push forward the bilateral relations in an overall way, he added.

He reiterated that his government will adhere to the one-China policy.

(Xinhua News Agency September 24, 2004)