Even though he is on the other side of the world London Mayor Ken Livingstone has again managed to stir up controversy.

Speaking on his visit to Beijing, China, the Mayor likened the 1989 Tiananmen Square massacre with the poll tax riot in Trafalgar Square in 1990.

More than 3000 student-led pro-democracy protestors were killed in the Tiananmen Square massacre by the army, but Mr Livingstone said it was a part of the Chinese capital's "interesting history", like London's.

"In the same way that Trafalgar Square has had an interesting history, not always a peaceful one, there's a very clear parallel," The Daily Telegraph quoted Mr Livingstone as saying.

No people killed during the poll tax riot against the Thatcher government in 1990.

"We've had some interesting riots in Trafalgar Square - I mean, only 20 years ago, the poll tax riots, and flames licking up.

"There is no such thing as one country with a perfect record."

He met with Wang Qishan, the Mayor of Beijing, on Monday and signed an agreement to promote their cities together.

The mayors want to encourage cooperation ahead of the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing, and the 2012 Olympic Games in London.

Mr Livingstone said: "With Beijing at the heart of China, the world's fastest growing economy and London, a world leader in financial and business services, we are confident that both our great cities can benefit from closer ties.

"We hope this agreement will foster an environment in which London and Beijing can become closer business partners and develop a deeper cultural understanding through the exchange of tourists and students."

The agreement between the two mayors will last for at least five years.

Mr Livingstone also opened a London Economic Development and Inward Investment Office in Beijing today.

Mr Livingstone said: "This new office is a symbol of the cooperation between our two great cities and will provide practical resources to help encourage greater economic and cultural activity."

The office will also seek to encourage the number of tourists visiting London and also increase the number of Chinese students studying in the city.