Congo-China links stressed

The president of the Democratic Republic of Congo, Laurent Kabila, continuing his visit to China, has held talks in Beijing with President Jiang Zemin.

During the meeting, the two leaders signed a number of agreements, on co-operation in technical and economic affairs, and on low-interest Chinese loans to Congo.

Correspondents say China is keen to maintain its alliances in Africa to counter the influence of Taiwan.

From the newsroom of the BBC World Service