China and Denmark should seek common ground while tolerating differences, and bring bilateral relations to a higher level, said Jia Qinglin Tuesday during a meeting with Danish Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Economic and Business Affairs Bendt Bendtsen.  

It is normal that China and Denmark hold different views on certain issues because they have different history, cultural background and are at different level of development, said Jia, chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), China's top advisory body.

"So long as we hold the spirit of respecting each other, seeking common ground while tolerating differences, and handle the differences in a prudent and appropriate manner, our relationship would proceed smoothly and healthily," said Jia, also member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China (CPC). China and Denmark established full diplomatic relations 55 years ago. Bilateral ties are generally on a good track as they have exchanged top-level visits frequently over the past several years.

"Although we are far away geographically from each other, we share great common interests," Jia said. "We have seen vigorous growth in our cooperation in trade, science and technology, culture and education and energy."

China-Denmark trade grew 28.2 percent in 2004 from the previous year to US$3.15 billion. Danish investment in China added up to about US$600 million by April 2005, mainly in areas of shipping, logistics, pharmaceuticals, furniture, aquatic products processing and environmental protection.

"The Chinese government pays great attention to developing a stable, friendly and cooperative relationship with Denmark, and will work jointly with the Danish side for that goal," Jia said.

In addition, Jia said China appreciates Denmark's adherence to the one-China policy.

For his part, Bendtsen said Denmark and China are friendly and cooperative "partners," adding that Denmark wishes to strengthen cooperation with China in areas of energy, environmental protection and ocean shipping.

He said Denmark attaches importance to the dialogue between Denmark and China, and it appreciates the efforts of the Chinese government in improving people's livelihood.

Bendtsen began his visit to China on Saturday. Besides Beijing, he will also visit Shanghai, Tianjin, Qingdao in east China's Shandong Province and Kunshan in east China's Jiangsu Province.

(Xinhua News Agency June 29, 2005)