Rice China visit aims to promote bilateral ties

US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice also pledged to promote relations with China during a meeting with her counterpart, Yang Jiechi.

Condoleezza Rice is in Beijing for a 2-day visit, at the invitation of Chinese Foreign Minister, Yang Jiechi. Topping her agenda is promoting the Sino-US constructive partnership, and seeking China's cooperation on a wide range of international issues.

The two sides have reached new common ground to push forward strategic dialogue and promote bilateral relations in 2008.

Yang Jiechi said, "We agree to deepen cooperation, dialogue and exchanges on economy and trade, counter-terrorism, energy, and environmental protection on the basis of equality, mutual respect and non-interference in one another's domestic affairs."

The issue concerning China most is Taiwan, as the Taiwan authority continues to push forward a so-called referendum on seeking UN membership. Rice says the US strongly opposes the move.

Rice said, "We've been clear that referendum is not helping anyone. We do believe the best way forward no one should change the status quo."

The two sides also exchanged views on a number of international issues including Sudan, Myanmar, and the Iranian and DPRK nuclear issues.

Rice says she's pleased to see progress on the denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula, and the US is ready to move the process forward.

Rice said, "We look forward to a complete declaration of nuclear programs and the U.S. will continue to work together with other parties so that we could move onto the next phase."

Speaking on behalf of US President, George W. Bush, Rice says they are both looking forward to returning to Beijing this August for the Olympics.

The year of 2008 will be of great importance for both China and the United States. China wants a successful Olympic Games, while the U.S. will have the Year of Election. Experts say a healthy Sino-U.S. relationship is not just in the interest of the two countries, but also the world at large."