"China has engaged itself in building a harmonious society, during which religion can play an important role," said Jia, chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, when meeting with Archbishop of Canterbury Rowan Douglas Williams.

He said the policy of religious freedom has been carried out soundly since China adopted the reform and opening-up policy in 1978.

The Christianism in China has deep relations with Christianism in Britain and the Archbishops of Canterbury have also played a positive role in promoting friendship between the two peoples, he said.

China will continue to support the Christianism in China to extend exchanges and cooperation equally and friendly with other churches in the world, Jia said.

He said the Chinese government has always attached great importance on relations with Britain, and high-level visits and exchanges have become frequent since the two countries established an all-round strategic partnership in 2004.

The two countries have maintained close coordination in major international and regional issues and achieved fruitful results in major cooperative fields, he said.

As permanent members of the Security Council of the United Nations and countries with great impact in the world, China and Britain should enhance cooperation, which not only conforms to the interests of the two countries and their peoples, but also benefits peace, stability and development in the world, he said.