The first strategic dialogue between the US and China is "useful," and the discussion is "open" and "transparent," said US Deputy Secretary of State Robert Zoellick in Beijing Tuesday.

Zoellick told the press that the two sides exchanged views on US-China relations and international and regional issues of common concern.

The US side thinks that China enjoys rapid development and increasing international influence, he said, noting that the US and China have broad common interest, and the two countries should reduce differences and strengthen cooperation.

He hoped the two countries could maintain sound cooperation in international affairs and share common interest.

As to the ongoing fourth round of six-party talks on the Korean Peninsula nuclear issue, Zoellick said it's a difficult process. He expressed appreciation for China's effort to push forward the peaceful solution of the nuclear issue.

Zoellick and Vice Foreign Minister Dai Bingguo participated in Sino-US strategic dialogue Monday, the first of its kind since the two countries forged diplomatic ties 26 years ago.

The dialogue came as a result of the consensus reached by President Hu Jintao and US President George W. Bush during the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Summit in Chile last year. The dialogue may take place twice a year.

(Xinhua News Agency August 3, 2005)