China, U.S. agree to step up constructive, cooperative relations

Top Chinese leaders have met separately with US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice. At their talks, both sides chose to highlight the recent progress in Sino-US relations and agreed to further strengthen by working together and through dialogue.

President Hu Jintao reviewed the major progress in Sino-US relations during 2007.

He says the strategic importance of the relationship has improved as cooperation is expanding in various fields. The strategic dialogue between the two sides has had positive results, and military relations have also improved.

Hu Jintao says this year is very important for Sino-US relations, and he's looking forward to continued cooperation and to strengthening dialogue and mutual trust.

Premier Wen Jiabao says the overall situation of Sino-US relations is good, and ensuring healthy stable ties is important. He called for dealing with the relationship from a strategic point of view and with vision. He said differences should be resolved through dialogue, and he called on the US to further open its market by lifting the limits on hi-tech products exports to China.

Condoleezza Rice says the US would also like to continue strengthen the two-way relations. She praised China's effective role in resolving the Darfur issue, and confirmed US opposition to the Taiwan referendum on UN membership promoted by the island's authorities.

The US secretary of state also hopes the US and China can resolve economic disputes and promote trade cooperation through their strategic dialogue.