Vice-Premier's US Visit "Constructive"

Chinese vice-Premier Qian Qichen's recent visit to the United States was "positive" and "constructive", said Foreign Ministry spokesman Sun Yuxi Tuesday afternoon at a regular press conference.

Sun said that during the seven-day visit, Qian met with President Bush and other leading officials of the Bush Administration, including Vice-President Richard Cheney, Secretary of State Colin Powell, Secretary of Defence Henry Rumsfeld and Adviser to the President for National Security Affairs Rice.

Qian and the US officials exchanged views on China-US ties and some major international and regional issues of common concern.

Sun said that both sides believe that the visit was helpful for enhancing mutual understanding, dialogue and cooperation between the two sides.

Sun stressed that the Chinese government regards China-US ties as very important, and it is willing to make joint efforts with the US in realizing sound and steady China-US ties.

So long as China and the United States firmly uphold the principles of the three Joint Communiques and properly handle the disputes between the two countries, the bilateral relations can be developed smoothly and more progress can be made, the spokesman noted.

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