Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao and visiting British Prime Minister David Cameron have held talks ahead of the planned signing of bilateral deals worth an estimated $2.7 billion.
Cameron is seeking to boost trade ties with the world's second-largest economy to create jobs at home and support economic recovery.
The British prime minister is accompanied by four cabinet ministers and some 50 business leaders.
Cameron's visit to Beijing comes shortly after Chinese President Hu Jintao's visit to France and Portugal earlier this month, which resulted in $20 billion worth of contracts for French and European companies.
Cameron will meet Hu on November 10, the second and final day of his visit.
Officials have said that despite the focus on trade, Cameron would also raise human rights issues with Chinese leaders in what was described as a "sensible and measured way."
compiled from agency reports
Cameron is seeking to boost trade ties with the world's second-largest economy to create jobs at home and support economic recovery.
The British prime minister is accompanied by four cabinet ministers and some 50 business leaders.
Cameron's visit to Beijing comes shortly after Chinese President Hu Jintao's visit to France and Portugal earlier this month, which resulted in $20 billion worth of contracts for French and European companies.
Cameron will meet Hu on November 10, the second and final day of his visit.
Officials have said that despite the focus on trade, Cameron would also raise human rights issues with Chinese leaders in what was described as a "sensible and measured way."
compiled from agency reports