SANTIAGO, Sept. 5 (Xinhua) -- China's top legislator Wu Bangguo pays an official visit to Chile from Sept 5 to Sept. 7.

    The visit comes amid growing cooperation between the two countries, especially in trade and politics.

    Though located far apart, Chile and China have been closely cooperated in the international political arena.

    In 1970, Chile became the first South American country to establish diplomatic ties with China. The two have since signed more than 20 treaties covering topics ranging from trade, science, technology, cultural exchanges to the protection of investment.

    In 1988, the two countries set up a mechanism for foreign ministers' policy consultation, within which 10 formal meetings have been held.

    In 2002, China supported Chile in its bid for a temporary seat on the United Nations Security Council, which it won for the 2002-2004 period.

    Chile also supported China's bid to become a permanent observer at the Organization of American States and the Latin American Parliament.

    In 1990, China's then-president Yang Shangkun visited Chile, which was just out of the dictatorship of Augusto Pinochet and wanted to reintegrate into the international community.

    Among the important Chinese visitors were: in 1993, Foreign Minister Qian Qichen; in 1995, Li Ruihuan, chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference; in 1996, Premier Li Peng and Vice Premier Zhu Rongji; and in 1997, Vice Premier Li Lanqing.

    Leading Chilean visitors to China included: in 1991, Jose Antonio Viera Gallo, president of the chamber of deputies; in 1995, President Eduardo Frei; in 1996, Senate president Sergio Diez; and in 1997, 1998 and 1999, Foreign Minister Jose Miguel Insulza. Enditem