Chinese President Hu Jintao met with Australian Prime Minister John Winston Howard during their meeting on the sideline of the 12th Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum in the Chilean capital.

Hu made four proposals for pushing ahead the cooperation of mutual benefit between the two countries, namely, to keep the momentum of exchange of high-level visits, deepen mutual political trust, expand economic and trade cooperation and strengthen coordination and cooperation in significant regional and international affairs.

Agreeing with the Hu's proposals, Howard said the close contact between top leaders of the two countries was of great importance to boosting bilateral ties.

Australia is willing to strengthen bilateral economic and trade cooperation with China, said Howard, noting Australia is studying the feasibility of a free trade agreement between the two countries.

The Australian prime minister also said his government will continue its one-China policy, pledging not to support any movement that leads Taiwan to independence.

(Xinhua News Agency November 22, 2004)