Chile considered its political and economic ties with China a priority, a government spokesman said Wednesday.

Andres Chadwick told a press conference Chile's ties with the Asian giant was fundamental, having been fostered by successive administrations, and was now a permanent working relationship.

Chadwick described the visit to Chile of Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao in June as "very important", with Wen showing keen interest in the newly created Pacific Alliance, a regional trade bloc composed of Mexico, Colombia, Peru and Chile.

During the visit, Wen and Chilean President Sebastian Pinera signed agreements to promote economic cooperation and investment.

The two countries signed a free trade agreement in 2006 and bilateral trade was $30 billion in 2011.