2010-11-02 20:04

BEIJING - British Prime Minister David Cameron will pay an official visit to China from November 9 to 10, at the invitation of Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao.

The announcement was made by Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Hong Lei in Beijing Tuesday.

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Hong told a regular news briefing that Cameron will lead the largest-ever delegation to China, which is composed of Chancellor of the Exchequer George Osborne, Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change Chris Huhne, Secretary of State for Education Michael Gove and Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills Vincent Cable as well as about 50 leading figures from the nation's industrial and commercial sectors.

During Cameron's China visit, Chinese President Hu Jintao will meet with him and Wen will hold talks with him, said Hong, adding that Cameron and Chinese leaders will also attend a China-Britain commercial summit.

China would like to enhance communication and coordination with the British side on the upcoming G20 summit, Hong said.

The fifth G20 Summit will be held from November 11 to 12 in Seoul, capital of the Republic of Korea (ROK).

Cameron's tour is his first visit to China after he took office in May and is significant to the long-term development of China-Britain relations, Hong said.

Hong noted that China attaches great importance to Cameron's visit and would like to work with Britain to ensure the success of the visit and inject new vigor into bilateral ties.

China and Britain have enjoyed sound development of bilateral relations since Cameron's coalition government was formed, with frequent high-level contact and smooth cooperation in various fields, Hong said.

The new British government, a Conservative-Liberal Democrat coalition, came to power just after a general election in May.

To boost cooperation between China and Britain in the current situation is in the interest of the two nations and their people and conducive to maintaining world peace, stability and prosperity, Hong said.

"China is ready to work with Britain to promote the continuous development of their comprehensive strategic partnership," he added.