China, Britain inaugurate strategic dialogue at higher level

  Chinese State Councilor Dai Bingguo and Miliband co-chaired the dialogue, which was held at vice foreign minister level in the past.

  "Elevating the strategic dialogue mechanism is a meaningful event," Dai said at the start of the talks, noting that the mechanism was an important channel for the two nations to make in-depth communication.

  Dai hoped the two sides would make use of the mechanism to have candid discussion on strategic issues in bilateral and international relations.

  "This will help us to increase mutual trust and respect, and to promote the stable and healthy growth of China-Britain ties," Dai said.

  Miliband said the dialogue between the two nations "had always been strategic," and he was vary glad to see the elevation of the dialogue mechanism.

  Miliband agreed with Dai that major countries should respect each other and enhance cooperation to shoulder common responsibilities.

  Expressing appreciation for China's achievements in economic growth, Miliband said Britain welcomed China's contributions to the world economy.

  Miliband hoped the two nations would increase cooperation in tackling climate change and in economic and security sectors.

  Britain would work with China, on the basis of mutual respect, to push forward the bilateral strategic and cooperative partnership, he said.

  Miliband is visiting China from March 14 to 17 as a guest of his Chinese counterpart, Yang Jiechi.