British Prime Minister Tony Blair met China's President Hu Jintao on Monday as negotiators reached a deal to unblock Chinese textile imports at European ports _ a problem that had threatened to sour a China-Europe trade-boosting summit. The deal reached by European Union and Chinese negotiators in Beijing would let about 75 million Chinese-made garments into Europe, an EU official in Brussels said on condition of anonymity. Talks on the issue have been underway since last week. Hu welcomed Blair, whose country holds the rotating EU presidency, at central Beijing's Great Hall of the People. A Blair spokesman had said their hourlong meeting would focus on issues including fighting climate change _ a Blair priority _ and overhauling the United Nations. The leaders would also discuss regional issues, possibly including North Korea's nuclear program, said the spokesman, who declined to be identified in line with government policy. Blair arrived in Beijing early Monday at the start of a whirlwind four-day China and India trip aimed to increase European trade with the two Asian economic powerhouses. "We're delighted to be here," Blair said. "The strategic partnership between China and the European Union is of immense importance, not just in terms of trade and the economy but also in terms of our cooperation on the major political issues the world faces." Also at the meeting were European Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso, EU Trade Commissioner Peter Mandelson, EU foreign policy chief Javier Solana and Chinese Foreign Minister Li Zhaoxing. "The regular meetings between the leaders of China and the European Union are good for enhancing our mutual understanding," Hu said. "They are also good for enhancing our mutually beneficial cooperation," he was quoted as saying by The Associated Press. Shipments of Chinese textiles were held up at European ports after imports reached an annual limit for 2005 set by the two sides in June amid European producers' complaints about a surge in Chinese sales. The EU's 25 member states must approve Monday's deal before the clothing can go on sale in European stores.
