Chinese Vice-Premier Qian Qichen met with a group of US guests led by Barber Conable, chairman of the National Council of the US-China Relations in Beijing January 11.

Qian welcomed the guests, who were here to attend the Tenth Sino-US Dialogue co-sponsored by the Chinese People's Institute of Foreign Affairs and the National Council of US-China Relations.

He gave credit to the role of such communication channels and hoped the meeting, initiated in 1984, could be held regularly in the future. "Various forms of exchanges are important for enhancing mutual understanding," Qian said.

Conable stressed the importance of dialogue in pushing forward US-China relationship in a constructive ways.

The two sides also exchanged views on matters of common concern.

The Tenth Sino-US Dialogue started on January 9 and will run through January 13. (Xinhua)