Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao met with visiting Australian Foreign Minister Alexander Downer Monday.

Wen said that bilateral relations have maintained sound momentum and the Chinese government is willing to continue its efforts to work with the Australian side to push the comprehensive cooperative relations forward.

He thanked the Australian government for its adherence to the one-China policy.

Downer said the Australian government adheres to the one-China policy, and that if Taiwan declares independence, it would be a serious mistake.

He said that bilateral relations are in the best ever and that the Australian government appreciated China's positive role in international and regional affairs.

He said Australia is willing to work with China to maintain the momentum.

Downer pays an official visit to China from Aug. 16 to 17 at the invitation of Chinese Foreign Minister Li Zhaoxing.