Top legislators of China and the United States met Wednesday to discuss issues ranging from legislative exchanges to climate change.

Wu Bangguo, chairman of the Standing Committee of China's top legislature, the National People's Congress (NPC), held hour-long talks with U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi at the Great Hall of the People.

Wu first extended a warm welcome to Pelosi and the U.S. House delegation, on a week-long visit to the country's capital, the financial hub of Shanghai and northern metropolis of Tianjin.

"Your visit will definitely boost China-U.S. ties, particularly those between the two legislatures," Wu was quoted as saying by an NPC statement.

Wu reviewed the successful meeting between Chinese President Hu Jintao and U.S. President Barack Obama, which took place on the sidelines of the London G20 financial summit in early April.

"The two presidents agreed on building a positive, cooperative and comprehensive China-U.S. relationship for the 21st century, which charted the path for the development of bilateral ties," Wu said.

"The key to the bilateral relationship lies in respecting and taking care of each other's core interests," he said, referring to the Taiwan and Tibet issues as "the most important and sensitive ones."

"It is natural for both countries to remain divided on some issues as they enjoy different histories and cultures, practice different social systems and are at different development stages," Wu said.

As bilateral common ground far outweighed any differences, Wu said, both sides should deal with and develop ties from a strategic, long-term perspective.

Wu proposed both sides follow the fundamental rules of equality, mutual respect and non-interference into internal affairs, hold candid dialogue and enhance understanding and trust, properly address sensitive issues and promote the sound and steady growth of bilateral ties.

On parliamentary exchanges, Wu said the NPC and U.S. Congress enjoyed a sound basis in their relationship and had great potential for cooperation. Wu hoped the two sides would maintain the momentum of high-level visits, in a bid to achieve greater development of parliamentary relationships.

Wu also suggested the NPC and U.S. Congress improve their regular exchange mechanism, which was a direct and effective channel for parliamentary exchanges, and strengthen cooperation of related special committees within this framework.

Wu said climate change was a "common challenge" that threatened all mankind, and he called on the international community to step up efforts in this area. He also urged developed countries to live up to their responsibilities to tackle the challenge by helping the developing countries in financing, technology transfer and capacity building.

"We should adhere to the principle of 'common but differentiated responsibilities' on this issue," the top legislator stressed.

Wu noted that China always paid close attention to climate change, as the issue was one of China's international responsibilities as well as a domestic requirement for sustainable development.

He briefed the guests about China's work in environmental protection, energy efficiency and renewable energy, and he expressed the willingness of China to work with the United States to strengthen coordination on policy-making and legislation, establish demonstration projects and step up development and research on climate change.

Wu also briefed the visitors on measures taken by China in response to the global downturn, saying that China intended to make economic structure adjustments and industrial upgrades.

Pelosi agreed with Wu's evaluation of bilateral ties, saying the U.S.-China relationship was very important.

She said the aim of her visit was to promote relations between the U.S. House of Representatives and the NPC as well as exchanges in such fields as energy and climate change.

Pelosi said she expected such exchanges and dialogue would inject new vigor into U.S.-China relations.

She also said she appreciated China's efforts in coping with the global slowdown, strengthening energy-saving and emission reduction measures and developing renewable energy resources.

(Xinhua News Agency May 28, 2009)