Chinese premier pledges enhancing China, U.S. communication, coordination

BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN, Oct. 9 -- Chinese Premier Li Keqiang said here Wednesday that his country stands ready to strengthen strategic communication and coordination with the United States, and jointly promote the steady growth of world economy and safeguard world peace.

Li made the remarks when meeting with U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry on the sidelines of the 16th leaders' meeting between China and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).

Li noted that the heads of state of the two countries have reached important consensus on building a new model of major-country relations, which is conducive to pushing forward health and stable development of the bilateral relations.

China and the United States share broad common interests, and their economies are complementary to a large extent, he said, while expressing Beijing's concern about Washington' s debt-ceiling problem.

Li said that China hopes to see the U.S. relax its restrictions on China-bound high-tech exports.

For his part, Kerry said the United States welcomes the rise of China and regards China as an important cooperation partner.

Kerry said that President Barack Obama pays high attention to lifting bilateral relations.

He said his country is willing to boost strategic communication and cooperation with China, jointly cope with challenges, and constantly enrich the content of the new model of major-country relations between the two countries.

Li arrived here earlier Wednesday for the first leg of his first Southeast Asia tour since assuming premiership in March. The trip also includes official visits to Brunei, Thailand and Vietnam.