Britain's Deputy Prime Minister John Prescott will end a five-day China visit today during which he discussed climate change, sustainable development and other issues with Chinese officials.

Prescott, on his 10th visit to China since taking office in 1997, called on Premier Wen Jiabao yesterday and also held talks with State Councilor Tang Jiaxuan.

During the two-hour meeting with Tang on Monday, the State councilor reiterated China's commitment to international cooperation on climate change.

Tang said China has attached great importance to the issue and is working hard to grow its economy in line with development of the population, resources and environment.

He said he hoped developed countries would transfer technology to developing nations in a more open manner to put in place an effective international framework to tackle climate change.

Tang said the issue requires joint efforts by all countries, and China is willing to play its part in international cooperation to address the challenge.

Climate change has become a top international issue, prompting the UN Security Council last Tuesday to hold its first-ever open debate on it.

The debate, initiated by Britain, was aimed at studying the relationship between energy, security and climate.

However, developing countries, including China, said the topic did not belong on the council's agenda.

During his visit, Prescott has spoken highly of China's efforts in finding ways to combat climate change.

As heads of the UK Task Force and China Task Force respectively, Prescott and Tang also discussed the future directions of various sectors, including education, environment and science.

Prescott also visited a British company involved in bringing sustainable technologies to China yesterday.

His visit follows that of Premier Wen Jiabao to the UK last September and that of top political advisor Jia Qinglin last October.

Source: China Daily