Vice-Premier Qian Qichen Meets US Secretary of StateSpeaking to reporters before his talks with Powell at the State Department, Qian said that China-US relations "are not only closely related to the fundamental interests of the two countries and the well-being of the two peoples, but also to peace and development in the Asia-Pacific region and even the world as a whole." As the mankind has entered the 21st century, Qian said, China and the US share extensive mutual interests and responsibilities on issues such as the maintenance of peace and prosperity in the Asia-Pacific region and the world at large. He said Chinese President Jiang Zemin and US President George W. Bush have stayed in close touch through exchanges of letters and reached important consensus on advancing bilateral relations. President Bush has decided to attend an informal meeting of leaders of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation forum scheduled for October in Shanghai. Bush is expected to have his first summit meeting with Jiang in Shanghai and also visit Beijing, said Qian. "It is in the spirit of enhancing understanding and expanding cooperation, I make this visit at the U.S. invitation to implement the consensus reached between the two presidents," Qian said. "Undoubtedly, we also have differences," Qian went on. "But as long as both sides stand high and be visionary, take the overall situation in account, view problems in a long-term perspective, seek common ground and handle differences properly, I am sure China-US relations will enjoy healthy and steady growth," he noted. Powell expressed warm welcome to Qian and said that he looked forward to discussing with him ways to expand bilateral ties and constructively advance bilateral interests. The secretary of state reiterated that the US would like China to join the World Trade Organization as soon as possible. |
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