Xi Jinping (R), a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China, meets with former Canadian Prime Minister Jean Chretien in Beijing, Jan. 9, 2008. (Xinhua Photo)

    BEIJING, Jan. 9 (Xinhua) -- China values its ties with Canada and hopes to expand bilateral relations, said Xi Jinping, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China (CPC).

    Xi made the remarks in a meeting with former Canadian Prime Minister Jean Chretien here on Wednesday morning. He briefed Chretien about the policies that China is adopting to develop ties with Canada.

    "Developing relations with Canada serves the fundamental interests of the two nations and the two peoples," Xi said, calling on the two sides to boost exchanges and cooperation in various fields and carefully handle sensitive issues.

    Agreeing with Xi's views on Canada-China relations, Chretien said that the Canadian people treasured their friendship with the Chinese people and further development of bilateral ties would be conducive to the common interests of the two nations.

    Chretien also said the one-China policy had been the Canadian government's persistent stance.

    Chretien's visit was made by invitation of the CITIC Group, which is among the country's biggest financial groups.