President Jiang: China Ready to Develop Constructive Relationship with US

Jiang: China Ready to Develop Constructive Relationship with US

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Chinese President Jiang Zemin said in Shanghai Friday that China values its relations with the United States and is willing to work with the US to develop a constructive relationship of cooperation.

China and the United States, two countries with major influence in the world, have common responsibilities and interests in safeguarding peace and security in the Asia-Pacific region and the world, promoting regional and global economic development and prosperity, and combating terrorism together with the international community, Jiang said.

Jiang made the remarks when meeting with the press together with US President George W. Bush, who arrived in Shanghai Thursday evening to attend the Economic Leaders Meeting of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC).

Jiang said he had just had good talks with President Bush. "It' s our first meeting, and we had an in-depth exchange of views and reached a consensus on a number of important issues such as Sino-U.S. relations, the fight against terrorism and safeguarding world peace and stability," he said.

"We are living in a world of diversity. It's no wonder there exist some differences between China and the United States as the two countries have different national conditions," said the Chinese president. Different civilizations and social systems should pursue long-term co-existence and common development through seeking common grounds while putting aside differences.

The relationship between China and the United States is facing important opportunities of development, Jiang said. The two countries will have high-level strategic dialogues, push forward exchanges and cooperation in the economic, trade, energy and other fields, and enhance consultations and coordination on major international and regional issues.

Jiang expressed the belief that Sino-US relations will keep moving forward as long as the two sides hold firmly the common interests of the two countries and properly handle bilateral relations, particularly the Taiwan issue, in accordance with the three Sino-US joint communiques," the Chinese president said.