Chinese Minister Urges Enhancing China-U.S. Mutual Understanding

A Chinese minister Wednesday called for enhancing mutual understanding and cooperation between China and the United States to promote the stable development of their bilateral relations.

Zhao Qizheng, minister of the State Council Information Office, said that as the new century arrives, it is a "sober obligation" for both countries to strengthen Sino-American relationship and "no one has any right whatsoever to undermine, frustrate or thwart it."

Zhao, in a speech at the U.S. National Press Club here, said that the interests of China and America will be advanced only if both countries strive for a win-win partnership.

"Neither shall benefit if either turns against the other," he said.

Zhao is currently in the United States to attend "2000 Experience Chinese Culture in the United States," a large-scale cultural exchange event in New York, Washington D.C., Chicago, St.Louis, San Francisco and Los Angeles.

The Chinese minister said that cultural exchanges have played an important role in promoting mutual understanding and friendship between the two countries.

"Though differences exist in ideologies, strategic interests and cultural interests, our two nations have established an effective, constructive and wide-ranging partnership that recognizes and furthers fundamental interests in many areas," he said.

Having recalled the history of more than 200 years of exchange between the Chinese and American peoples, Zhao Qizheng said that despite its ups and downs, and some contentious and continuing issues, the direction of Sino-American relationship is to be increasingly interconnected, increasingly cooperative, and increasingly friendly.

"There is no single reason why our two countries should not come together and work together," he added.

Zhao said the great majority of the Chinese people back President Jiang Zemin's stance that China and the United States should enhance mutual understanding, broaden common ground, develop cooperation and build a future together.

He expressed his confidence that with efforts made by both sides, the 21st century, as U.S. President Clinton has said, will witness the blossoming of Sino-American cooperation in all areas.

James Sasser, former U.S. ambassador to China, told reporters that Minister Zhao's speech is "very productive" and "powerful," indicating China's willingness to developing good relationship with the United States.

"He made a real contribution to the better understanding on the part of the media and the American people generally of the history of relations between the two countries," Sasser said.

The ambassador said he is "optimistic" about the long-term development of U.S.-China relations, since there is a will on both sides to fashion even more cordial ties based on mutual respect and mutual benefit.

Robert A. Kapp, president of the United States-China Business Council, who also attended the meeting, described Minister Zhao's remarks as "extremely exciting, encouraging and attractive."

He praised Zhao for putting out a "broad introduction" of China's culture to the American public.

The Chinese and American governments have to learn how to communicate with each other, and Zhao has taken a very encouraging step towards this end, he added.



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