Chinese President Hu Jintao met in Beijing Wednesday with Zbigniew Brzezinski, former national security assistant to the US president.  

Hu expressed appreciation for the efforts Brzezinski has made on the establishment of Sino-US diplomatic relations, which he believed opened a new chapter for the two countries.

Hu said facts show that the development of Sino-US relations conforms to the fundamental interest of the two peoples, and benefits regional and world peace and stability.

He said that Sino-US relations have become increasingly important and the cooperation between the two countries has expanded.

China and the United States should promote understanding and common ground so as to push forward the relationship in the new century, Hu said.

Brzezinski said that exchanges and cooperation between the United States and China are in line with the interests of the two sides and benefits regional and world stability and development.

He said that confronted with challenges in the 21st century, China and the United States should enhance cooperation.

(Xinhua News Agency January 7, 2004)