Top political advisor Jia Qinglin met former US president George Bush in Beijing on Tuesday. They hailed Sino-US relations and vowed to deepen ties.

Jia, chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), told Bush that Sino-US relations in general were well.

"The development of Sino-US relations in the last three decades proves that differences exist between the two countries but also broad common interests and a foundation for cooperation," Jia said.

"Only if we treat our relations from a long-term and strategic point of view, enhance dialogue and cooperation on the basis of the three Sino-US joint communiqués, respect and take care of each other's concerns and properly handle difference, can the Sino-US relations continuously make new progress," he said.

Jia noted that a road of peaceful development is the "strategic choice" of the Chinese people and a "long-lasting strategy" of China.

"China will always be an important force in promoting world peace, stability and development," he said.

Bush said that US-China relations are at their "best period" and will get even better. He said that he will contribute more to the development of US-China relations.

Bush is here for a two-day seminar on Sino-US relations. Bush's son, US President George W. Bush, will visit China this weekend.

(Xinhua News Agency November 16, 2005)