China and Britain Tuesday inaugurated their first higher-level strategic dialogue during British Foreign Secretary David Miliband's visit to China.

Chinese State Councilor Dai Bingguo and Miliband co-chaired the dialogue, which was held at vice foreign minister level in the past.

Chinese State Councilor Dai Bingguo (2nd, R) meets with British Foreign Secretary David Miliband (2nd, L) in Beijing, capital of China, March 16, 2010. Dai Bingguo and Miliband held the strategic dialogue here on Tuesday. [Pang Xinglei/Xinhua]

"Elevating the strategic dialogue mechanism is a meaningful event," Dai said at the start of the talks, noting that the mechanism was an important channel for the two nations to make in-depth communication.

Dai hoped the two sides would make use of the mechanism to have candid discussion on strategic issues in bilateral and international relations.

"This will help us to increase mutual trust and respect, and to promote the stable and healthy growth of China-Britain ties," Dai said.

Miliband said the dialogue between the two nations "had always been strategic," and he was vary glad to see the elevation of the dialogue mechanism.

Miliband agreed with Dai that major countries should respect each other and enhance cooperation to shoulder common responsibilities.

Expressing appreciation for China's achievements in economic growth, Miliband said Britain welcomed China's contributions to the world economy.