On the afternoon of January 18, 2008, Chinese President Hu Jintao met with visiting British Prime Minister Gordon Brown in Diaoyutai State Guesthouse.

Hu Jintao spoke highly of Gordon Brown's endeavor in attaching importance to ties with China and actively pushing forward Sino-British exchanges and cooperation since he took office. Hu said recent years have witnessed all-round development of bilateral relations with frequent high-level exchanges and contacts and smooth operation of such mechanisms as Task Forces, strategic dialogue and foreign policy dialogue. Hu also pointed to the strengthening of strategic mutual trust, the expansion of concrete cooperation, and the increasingly close communication and coordination in addressing international and regional affairs. "Chinese side appreciated the British side's adherence to the one-China policy, clear opposition to the Taiwan authorities' planned "referendum" on UN membership, and support for China's peaceful reunification," Hu said, adding that China appreciates such a position.

Hu said both countries shoulder important responsibilities in maintaining world peace and promoting mutual development and share broad common interest. China and Britain need to enhance cooperation, taking into consideration international political and economic pattern in the 21st century. "The Sino-British exchanges and cooperation conform to the trend of globalization and the self-development of the two countries and China has always been handling Sino-British relations from a strategic and global perspective," Hu said. "I believe as long as both sides look into the future and make unremitting efforts, China and Britain will certainly be able to transcend the differences in historical traditions, social systems, and economic development levels, and forge a comprehensive strategic partnership to benefit Chinese and British people and people from all over the world," Hu said.

Brown said the two countries enjoy strong relations and his current visit has further strengthened and deepened their comprehensive strategic partnership. Both sides have raised the level of economic and financial dialogue mechanism, set new trade targets and enhanced cooperation in such areas as science, technology and environment. Britain and China are highly complementary in economy, said Brown, adding that the British side welcomes China Investment Corp and other Chinese companies to invest in the country and will create conditions for good returns on the investment. Britain hopes that the two sides can enhance bilateral cooperation in various fields as well as in addressing international and regional issues so as to bring benefits to the two peoples and contribute to world peace and prosperity, said Brown.

Brown said that Britain's position on the one-China policy, which is consistent, clear and firm, would not change.

State Councilor Tang Jiaxuan attended the meeting.