Clinton reaffirms U.S. commitment to advance positive cooperative relationship with China

WASHINGTON, Feb. 29 (Xinhua) -- U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton on Wednesday reaffirmed the U.S. government's commitment to advancing its positive cooperative relationship with China.

The top U.S. diplomat made the remarks while testifying at a hearing on the fiscal 2013 international affairs budget held by the House Committee on Foreign Affairs.

"We are working to further a positive cooperative and comprehensive relationship with China. We think that is in the interests of the American people both economically and strategically," Clinton said.

The U.S. welcomes "the peaceful rise of China and we expect as China continues to develop that it will assume more responsibilities globally," she added.

Clinton also said that the U.S. stands for "peaceful resolution" of the dispute on South China Sea, over which China and several southeastern countries have competing territorial claims.

"With respect to the South China Sea, it has been our position that although we do not take any stand on the rights attached to any territorial claim. We strongly support the peaceful resolution of such claims in accordance with international law," Clinton said, adding that the U.S. position also extends to other disputes concerning territories in or near bodies of water.

"So it's very important we stand for the rule of law and we stand for the peaceful resolution of any disputes and we've made that known to our friends in the region as well as to China," Clinton said.