Foreign Minister Qian Qichen yesterday heralded a new beginning for Sino-British relations by inviting British counterpart Robin Cook to visit China this year.
According to Foreign Ministry spokesman Shen Guofang, Mr Qian's offer was accepted by Mr Cook at their meeting in Hong Kong yesterday.
He quoted Mr Cook as expressing the will to see Sino-British relations entering a new phase.
Mr Shen said: 'Mr Cook says Britain has tremendous business interest in Hong Kong. Therefore, he hopes that, through Hong Kong, Britain's relationship with China will be further developed.
'The dialogue and contact between the two sides should continue so that the transfer of power can be a new starting point for Sino-British relations.' He said Mr Cook had reiterated support for China's entry to the World Trade Organisation.
Mr Shen said relations with other countries could not enter a new phase in a few minutes of talks.
