Chinese State Councilor Dai Bingguo said in Beijing on Monday the present task for both China and the United States is to focus more on how to better develop relations between the two countries.

Dai said the two countries have compared their notes on a series of major and sensitive matters "thoroughly and candidly," while attending high-level bilateral talks as the co-chairperson of the strategic track of the second round of the China-U.S. Strategic and Economic Dialogues (S&ED) Monday afternoon at Diaoyutai State Guest House in Beijing.

Dai said the bilateral relationship had progressed steadily over the past 30 years despite many twists and turns, bringing huge benefits to the two peoples and helping maintain and promote world peace, stability and prosperity.

The China-U.S. relationship had gained greater strategic significance and global influence since the start of 21st century, and it had developed positively with new and important progress since President Barack Obama took office last January.

Clinton, co-chairing the strategic track, said the two sides have worked together to deal with a number of global challenges like climate change, energy, and public health since the first round of S&ED in Washington D.C. last July.

She also said the two governments "believe in cooperation" and are approaching their relationship "in a very comprehensive manner."

The on-going S&ED from May 24-25 is attended by 50 representatives from 40 plus government departments of the two countries.