Visiting British Deputy Prime Minister and First Secretary of State John Prescott said in Beijing Wednesday he hoped the Think UK events currently held in Beijing could have helped tell the Chinese more about modern Britain and encourage partnership between Britain and China.  

Prescott visited "Hometime," an exhibition in the China Millennium Museum highlighting contemporary British architecture and design including the latest ideas in furniture, ceramics and textiles.

"Hometime" is one part of Think UK -- an initiative which Prescott said is aimed to provide greater access in China to creative and innovative ideas from contemporary Britain and to strengthen links between young people in the two countries.

He also attended the 20th anniversary of Chevening Scholarships in China, another event of Think UK.

The scholarships, offered by the British government, are "a vital and important part of our relationship with China," Prescott said when he met with the returned Chinese who obtained the scholarship. "Through education we can improve our mutual understanding."

The British government has awarded Chevening Scholarships to over 1,000 Chinese from government institutions, private sector and non-governmental organizations since it was launched in 1984.

"As with families, we have different characters, different skills and different abilities. It is when we bring those different skills together and work in partnership that we are at our best," said Prescott.

(Xinhua News Agency November 13, 2003)