BEIJING, Nov. 18 (Xinhua) -- For the first time, the head of China's trade union met with representatives from the International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC).

    Wang Zhaoguo, chairman of the All-China Federation of Trade Unions (ACFTU), met with Guy Ryder, secretary general of the ITUC, in the Great Hall of the People in Beijing on Tuesday.

    Ryder is the first ITUC leader to visit China since the confederation was founded in 2006.

    Wang said trade unions from China and other countries should overcome differences in values, social systems, organizational patterns and ways of operation to better face the challenge of globalization.

    Wang expressed willingness to strengthen exchanges and cooperation with international trade union organizations on a basis of equality and mutual respect.

    ITUC has 168 million members in 155 countries and regions around the world.