Hu, Blair in trade, security and climate talks
(AP)
Updated: 2005-11-09 19:33

Chinese President Hu Jintao meets Prime Minister Tony Blair Wednesday for talks expected to focus on trade, global warming and international security.

Chinese President Hu Jintao (L) and Britain's Queen Elizabeth II arrive at Buckingham Palace in London November 8, 2005. [Reuters]

Hu, who is on a three-day state visit to Britain, was feted at a state dinner at Buckingham Palace Tuesday night. Queen Elizabeth II said in a speech that it was crucial for Britain and China to work together as China's rapid growth continues.

"It matters to all of us what kind of country China's people will build, what role they will play in the world of the 21st century and how this will be perceived by others," she said.

Hu said China was working hard to build "a moderately prosperous society, featuring a more developed economy, improved democracy, advanced science and education, a more prosperous culture, greater social harmony and higher living standards for the entire 1.3 billion people."

Hu was visiting Parliament Wednesday morning and planned talks with Blair at the prime minister's office at 1300 GMT. He was also scheduled to open a Chinese art and history exhibition at the Royal Academy of Arts.

Hu and Blair were scheduled to meet at Downing Street for the more business-like day of the Chinese leader's visit to London, his first stop in a three-nation European tour.

Blair, who took part in the formal welcome and colourful palace banquet, has said that his talks with Hu would touch on trade, global security and climate change, as well as "how economic and political developments are progressing in China."

With Britain now holding the rotating EU presidency, political analysts expect Hu to press for the lifting of a European arms embargo on China. EU leaders initially pledged to remove the ban by June this year, but failed to agree on it.

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