MOSCOW, Feb. 2 (Xinhuanet) -- Russian President Vladimir Putin hosted a senior Chinese official on Wednesday, hailing the development of bilateral ties and calling for further joint efforts in defending world peace and stability.

    Russian-Chinese strategic partnership has witnessedcomprehensive development at all levels in recent years, Putintold visiting Chinese State Councilor Tang Jiaxuan, saying thatRussia gives priority to the development of cooperation with China.

    He noted that being permanent members of the United NationsSecurity Council, Russia and China should intensify theirconsultations in dealing with world affairs to tackle all kinds ofthreats and challenges, in an aim to protect world peace andregional stability.

    The Russian president called on both sides to promote politicaldialogues and maintain high-level communications to facilitatemore substantial achievements in some key fields of cooperation,including the energy sector, economy and trade, and science andtechnology.

    Putin confirmed that Russia sticks to the "one China" policy,resolutely opposes to any forms of "Taiwan independence", andsupports China's efforts in safeguarding national sovereignty andterritorial integrity.

    Tang said that China and Russia hold similar views on somevital international and regional issues and share common interestsin the tasks of defending world peace and promoting jointdevelopment.

    Facing new challenges on safeguarding national security under acomplicated international situation, China and Russia must deepenmutual trust, promote communication, consultation and cooperation,which will contribute to the protection of their own interest andthe world and regional peace and stability.

    The Chinese councilor thanked Russia for its unswerving supportto China on the Taiwan issue and on the anti-secession law.

    Tang arrived here on Monday for a four-day official visit atthe invitation of Russian Security Council Secretary Igor Ivanov.Enditem