British Prime Minister Gordon Brown discussed the environment, human rights and democracy with Chinese leaders on the first day of a three-day visit yesterday.
He also secured an invitation to the Olympic Games in August.
Mr Brown met Premier Wen Jiabao at the Great Hall of the People for talks, with Mr Wen saying they had thorough discussions on the situation in the Darfur region of western Sudan, and other issues, such as climate change and energy security.
Before setting off on his trip, Mr Brown had said he would continue to press Beijing on human rights issues.
After their meeting, the two leaders were whisked off to Renmin University for a spot of 'ping-pong diplomacy'.
Mr Brown became the latest world leader to be invited to the Games when he and Mr Wen met people at the university.