China is by definition a nation relevant to NATO given the country's influence in world affairs, NATO Secretary General Jaap de Hoop Scheffer said Thursday.

"Given China's position? –?not?only in the region, but far beyond – China's position as an important player on the world scene, it is by definition a nation which is relevant to NATO," de Hoop Scheffer told Chinese journalists at a NATO New Year reception.

NATO recognizes China as a very important player, he said.

China also recognizes NATO as an important player, being in Afghanistan, in Kosovo, building new partnerships outside its traditional partnership range, with Australia, New Zealand, South Korea and Japan, he said.

China is interested in NATO – what is happening in NATO, its operations and missions, said the NATO chief.

He saw progress in NATO-China relations in recent years, citing NATO' exchanges with China, particularly NATO Assistant Secretary General Martin Erdmann's visit in Beijing last summer.

Erdmann was the highest NATO official to visit China since NATO planes bombed the Chinese embassy in Belgrade in 1999.

De Hoop Scheffer said he has a good relationship with the Chinese ambassador to the European Union.

He said an incremental approach would be the best for NATO-China relations. "It is satisfying both for China and for NATO."?

(Xinhua News Agency January 11, 2008)