China, Britain hail new, open and frank ties

In his first visit to China since he was reelected in 2001, embattled British Prime Minister Tony Blair found some respite from the domestic crisis engulfing him, with a warm welcome from Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao.

"The discussions we've just had privately now are an indication of how open and frank we are able to be with each other across a range of issues and also how much agreement there is on how we produce a world that is stable and prosperous, peaceful, where we are diminishing the possibility of conflict," said Blair.

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"The relationship between Britain and China has strengthened enormously over these past few years...

"I've got no doubt that it will continue to strengthen still further both in the economic field where we are the largest European investor in China but also in the political field as well where we are working together in resolving some of the critical issues that face our world."

Wen said relations with Britain had prospered since Blair took office six years ago, starting with the handover of the former British colony of Hong Kong to China.

"I fully share your assessment about China-UK relations. Since you became the Prime Minister China-UK relations have achieved much progress," he said at the Great Hall of the People.