China's Deputy Foreign Minister Cui Tiankai today spoke of his sound relationship with U.S. Assistant Secretary of State Kurt Campbell, clarifying recent rumors that their relationship has been strained.

Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Cui Tiankai (R) and U.S. Assistant Secretary of State Kurt Campbell shake hands during the first round of consultations on Asia-Pacific in Hawaii, the United States, June 25, 2011. [File photo]

"I have established a really positive relationship in working with Mr. Campbell these years. I am sure he will tell you so [as well] if you interview him," Cui, a member of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), told China Youth Daily after a group discussion.

Cui, tipped to become China's ambassador to Washington soon, was claimed to have had an unpleasant experience at Mr. Campbell's farm when visiting the U.S., according to foreign media reports.

However, Cui said, he did visit Mr. Campbell's farm, but nothing offensive happened. They got along very well. "In fact, our meeting was very significant" Cui added.

When Mr. Campbell heard how Cui had once worked in the countryside of northeastern China's Heilongjiang Province and had actually driven tractors whilst there, he took out his own old tractor. "He asked whether I could drive it, so I drove it and mowed the grass. We were in very good spirits and took a picture in front of the tractor," Cui said.

As a gift, Cui sent Mr. Campbell a tractor model when he visited the U.S. on the following occasion.