Substantive and high-level exchanges of various kinds between China and the United States will be helpful for increasing mutual understanding and reducing differences between the two countries, according to Mei Zhaorong, president of the Chinese People's Institute of Foreign Affairs.

Mei made this remark in an interview with Xinhua on January 12 after the conclusion of the Tenth Sino-US Dialogue Meeting.

At the advent of the new century, the development of Sino-US relations is at an important point, Mei said, adding that as the biggest developing country and the biggest developed country in the world, China and the US have many common interests, yet substantial differences remain in bilateral relations.

He pointed out that people are particularly concerned about the recent news report that the US is planning to sell a large quantity of advanced weapons to Taiwan.

He noted that with the signing of the Sino-US agreement on China's entry into the World Trade Organization, there is now greater potential for the development of Sino-US trade relations.

But people are closely watching whether the US congress will grant permanent normal trade relations to China in the near future in order to realize the hard-won agreements reached between the two countries, Mei said.

Under these circumstances, it is especially important for the two sides to enhance mutual understanding and dialogue, said Mei, and along with official contacts, non-official, high-level, and substantive exchanges such as the just-concluded dialogue meeting are also of substantial significance.

He said that during the Tenth Sino-US Dialogue Meeting, more than 20 former statesmen and renowned scholars from both countries exchanged views in a friendly atmosphere, which enabled the two sides to understand each other's viewpoints, and the background that went into the formation of these viewpoints.

Beginning in 1984, the Sino-US Dialogue has continued to this day, although it has encountered some difficulties, Mei said, adding that it provides an important channel for non-official high-level contact between the two countries.

In a bid to further promote bilateral ties, the Chinese People's Institute of Foreign Affairs will continue to host various exchange activities between the two countries this year, including seminars it is to sponsored with Harvard University on the establishment of an international political and economic new order, said Mei.

He said that the institute will continue to invite members of U.S. Congress to visit China, and that he believes through their personal experiences in the country and talks with Chinese officials, they will come to better understand the real China.

Wei stressed that "more understanding means less misunderstanding, and even less prejudice." (Xinhua)