HOUSTON, June 22 -- Chinese Vice Premier Liu Yandong on Monday called upon universities in her country and the United States to play a bigger role in promoting bilateral relations.

"Building a new type of major-country relations between China and the United States serves the common interests of both peoples," Liu said at the second China-U.S. University Presidents Roundtable, which was held here at Rice University.

"I believe that universities are pioneers for people-to-people exchanges between our two countries, and also the driving force for China-U.S. relations," she added.

Referring to the "increasingly important role" universities play in boosting exchanges and enhancing strategic mutual trust between countries, she offered a four-point proposal for the participating presidents and chancellors.

"First, I hope universities in both countries will strengthen cooperation on personal development, scientific research and social services," Liu said, noting that China has the largest number of scientists, while the United States takes the lead in scientific innovation.

"Our interaction in talent development, resource and innovation will surely boost the development of higher education," she said.

Second, Liu said she hopes universities will make contributions to deepening mutual understanding between the two peoples.

"Between people and countries, it is natural to have differences and disagreements. This requires Chinese and U.S. universities to fully play the role as think tanks and recognize the defining features and overriding trends in U.S.-China relations," Liu said.