Closer links between the British and Chinese intelligence services will be at the top of the agenda during a visit to Beijing by the Foreign Secretary.

Jack Straw arrived in the Chinese capital on Sunday and he will use the two-day visit to look at ways the countries can share security information in the wake of 11 September.

Trade links will also be discussed, as Britain is China's biggest European investor.

The visit comes just after celebrations to mark the fifth anniversary of Hong Kong's return to China, a reminder that a major irritant in the bilateral relationship is now a thing of the past.

Tensions

Among the dignitaries Mr Straw is due to meet is President Jiang Zemin.

Increased cooperation between nation states post-September 11 is needed

British embassy

China is thought to be keen to discuss the possibility of greater cooperation on security issues as it is concerned about muslim separatism in one of its western provinces.

Chinese officials have said they are also keen to talk about issues of common concern, such as the recent flare-up in tensions between nuclear-armed India and Pakistan.

But they may also use Mr Straw's visit to reiterate Beijing's opposition to the prospect of any US-led military action against Iraq.

Prosperity

Ahead of his first visit to China Mr Straw, said: "The links between our countries are already deep and wide-ranging, and I want to make them deeper still."

A British embassy spokesman said: "During these meetings, Mr Straw will be exploring how increased cooperation between nation states post-September 11 is needed to promote international security, renew our commitment to creating global prosperity, and encourage a universally high standard of good governance."

After leaving China Mr Straw will move on to Japan.

He is due in India on Friday, and will end the tour with a trip to Pakistan the following day.

'Evil'

The trip to Pakistan will undoubtedly touch upon Saturday's guerrilla attack on an Indian-administered area of Kashmir, which left 25 people dead.

Mr Straw said: "I'm horrified by this attack on innocent civilians.

"Terrorism - be it in Jammu, Kashmir or anywhere else - only serves to renew the determination of the free world to fight this evil."