China lauds Chinese orchestra performance at Vatican

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China is ready to improve relations with the Holy See and music is the "bridge of communication," Foreign Ministry spokesman Qin Gang said at a news conference Thursday.

The 75-member orchestra performed for Pope Benedict XVI on Wednesday.

"We believe this activity will strengthen our mutual understanding and friendship between the two peoples," Qin said.

Ties between the Vatican and China's communist government have been strained for decades, but Qin said Beijing would like to see that change.

"China is ready to improve China-Vatican relations and will make efforts in this regard," Qin said. "We are ready to conduct further dialogue on the basis of fundamental principles."

The pope has said improving relations with China is a priority of his papacy.

China's officially atheist Communist Party cut ties with the Vatican in 1951 and the two sides have never restored formal ties.

Beijing objects to the Vatican's tradition of having the pope name his own bishops, calling it interference in China's affairs.

China appoints bishops for the state-sanctioned Catholic church. Still, many of the country's estimated 12 million Catholics worship in congregations outside the state-approved church.