Chinese President Hu Jintao said in Beijing Sunday that both China and the United States have agreed to expand bilateral trade and economic cooperation, believing it serves the common interests of the two countries and peoples.

 

"The two sides have expressed the readiness to gradually realize trade balance through joint efforts," Hu told the press after his talks with visiting US President George W. Bush.

 

The Chinese president called for consultations to properly handle the friction and problems emerging in the rapid development of bilateral trade and economic cooperation, saying China and the United States will stick to the principle of mutual benefit and common development and continue to expand the sphere of cooperation for mutual benefit and a win-win situation.

 

"I've told President Bush that the Chinese side will intensify the efforts to protect intellectual property rights and crack down on infringement. We are ready to strengthen cooperation with the United States in this regard," Hu said.

 

China will "unswervingly" boost the reform of the exchange rate formation mechanism in the principle of benefiting both China and the world at large, he said.

 

China and the United States have also agreed to increase cooperation in fighting terrorism on the basis of mutual benefit, and have signed a memorandum of understanding on a mega-port plan.

 

The two countries also agreed to expand exchanges and cooperation in culture, education, science and technology, as well as among the youths, said Hu.

 

During the talk of the two presidents, Bush extended an invitation for Hu to visit his country so as to continue to explore, through dialog, ways for the two peoples to maintain open and constructive relations.

 

Hu accepted with pleasure, saying that he is ready to pay a visit to the United States early next year.

 

Prior to their formal talks, Hu and Bush held in-depth discussions at a closed-door meeting.

 

Bush arrived in Beijing on Saturday for a three-day visit as Hu's guest.

 

Hu, Bush pledge developing constructive ties

 

Chinese President Hu Jintao and US President George W. Bush agreed in Beijing Sunday to promote the all-round development of constructive ties between the two countries.

 

"We're pleased with the recent sound development of Sino-US relations," Hu said when the two presidents met reporters together after their formal talks. "We both believe it's the common aspiration of the two peoples to maintain sustained, healthy and stable development of bilateral ties."

 

 

Hu said the two sides have unanimously agreed to treat and handle Sino-US relations from strategic high and from far-sighted perspective, properly settle issues of mutual concern, deepen understanding, expand common ground, enhance mutual trust and promote the overall development of their constructive ties.

 

Bush also described his conversation with Hu as "constructive."?????

 

"The United States and China share opportunities and challenges in the 21st century," he said, adding the relationship between the two countries is an important one. "This trip will make it stronger," he said.

 

Hu and Bush also made comments on Sino-US trade and economic cooperation and regional and global issues including bird flu prevention and the Korean Peninsula nuclear issue.

 

Related: Hu Stresses Peace, Stability, Opposes 'Taiwan Independence' in Talks With Bush

China, US to Promote Six-party Talks Process

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China, US have "extensive" common interests, says Chinese premier

 

China and the United States have "extensive" common interests and the two countries should seek more common ground and expand cooperation, Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao said in Beijing Sunday.

 

China-US relations are significant globally as China is the biggest developing country while the United States is the biggest developed nation, said Wen during his meeting with visiting US President George W. Bush at the Diaoyutai State Guesthouse in Beijing.

 

"Developing healthy bilateral relations is not only in the fundamental interests of the two peoples, but also conducive to the world as a whole, " Wen said.

 

China and the United States have, in general, kept a good relationship over the past three decades despite some twists and turns, Wen added.

 

To ensure a healthy development of bilateral relations, China and the United States should increase consensus, properly handle disputes, minimize controversies and avoid confrontation by taking a strategic and long-term vision, the premier said, stressing that the key lies in the leadership.

 

"We should respect each other and keep consultations on an equal footing," Wen said.

 

Bush echoed Wen's views, and said that his visit offers an opportunity for the two sides to continue developing the important bilateral ties.

 

Noting that the United States and China have "common interests," the US president said though the two countries "don't agree on everything," they "do agree" on one thing, that is, to discuss the common points and differences in "a cordial manner."

 

(Xinhua News Agency November 20, 2005)