Haig was deputy national security advisor to then US president Richard Nixon and one of the important participants in the making of the Shanghai Communique in 1972.

In an exclusive written interview with Xinhua days before Bush's China trip on February 21-22, Haig said: "The relationship will continue to grow and prosper to the mutual benefit of all peoples. "

He expressed his confidence on closer ties between the two countries as President Bush realized after the September 11 terror attacks that the two countries had many common interests.

He stressed that "a durable, long-term US-China strategic relationship is even more important now than in previous decades," adding the events of September 11 have demonstrated that convergence of interests between the two countries serves as a catalyst for a strengthened relationship.

Haig praised China for its role in the campaign against terrorism and its contribution to peace on the Korean Peninsula, the crackdown on drug smuggling and the safeguarding of world peace and security.

He noted that the development of US-China relations is in the interest of the two peoples and predicted closer bilateral ties after China's entry into WTO.

"With China's entry into the World Trade Organization, there should be even closer ties between our two countries," he said.

The former secretary of state also expressed confidence that despite the challenges China is facing in its economic restructuring, the country will meet its obligations and bilateral trade will further contribute to strengthened relations between the two countries.

He said President Bush witnessed China's tremendous achievements in economic development and modernization drive when he attended the APEC Shanghai meeting last year.

Anyone familiar with the principles of market economy and the impacts of economic globalization will not lose sight that China's greater success will bring more benefits to the United States and the world at large, he said.

China will become a brisker market for the US and the world as a whole as the country achieves greater economic prosperity, Haig added.

He urged the two countries to promote greater dialogue on political, commercial and military matters, saying: "Although differences might arise between our two countries, they can be managed, if not resolved, through continuous engagement."

He also urged the two countries to bear in mind the history of their bilateral relations, and remember how and why they established the relations 30 years ago, "otherwise we may repeat past mistakes," he warned.

Looking to the future, Haig said: "The world awaits Beijing's hosting of the 2008 Olympics, an occasion which will bring into the global spotlight the dramatic advances China is making in enhancing the quality of life for its people.

"We have much to look forward to and much to celebrate on the 30th anniversary of the Shanghai Communique," he said. The communique was signed on February 28, 1972, during Nixon's historic visit to China.

(China Daily February 19, 2002)