Foreign Minister Li Zhaoxing on Friday met with Marine Gen. Peter Pace, chairman of the US Joint Chiefs of Staff.

Li said China and the US should strengthen dialogue, mutual trust and cooperation and properly handle differences so as to push forward the Sino-US constructive and cooperative relationship.

Li made positive comment on the overall bilateral relations in recent years, adding that China is willing to work together with the United States to actively implement consensus reached by the leaders of the two countries.

Li reiterated China's principle and stance over the Taiwan issue, saying China hopes the US would adhere to its commitment, see clearly the harm of the activities trying to separate Taiwan from China, stop selling weaponry to Taiwan, send no wrong signals to separatist forces in support of "Taiwan independence," and make joint efforts with China to safeguard the peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait and the China-US relations on the whole.

Pace said his current visit is aimed at intensifying contact with the Chinese side, enhance mutual understanding and promote a closer link between the armed forces of the two countries.

Pace reaffirmed that the US would stick to the one-China policy.

Pace arrived in Beijing on Thursday for a four-day visit. Invited by Chief of the General Staff of the People's Liberation Army (PLA) Liang Guanglie, Pace is the first high-ranking US military officer to visit China this year.

(Xinhua News Agency March 24, 2007)