China and the United States concluded their fifth strategic
dialogue Friday, after exchanging in-depth views on bilateral and
international issues, according to the Chinese Ministry of Foreign
Affairs.
The two-day dialogue was co-chaired by Chinese Vice Foreign
Minister Dai Bingguo and US Deputy Secretary of State John
Negroponte, exchanging views on international situation, lasting
and healthy development of China-US relations, and cooperation on
international and regional issues.
According to the Chinese Foreign Ministry, Dai stressed China
will follow the road of peaceful development, carry out an
opening-up strategy featuring mutual benefits, and strive to
promote the building of a harmonious world of lasting peace and
common prosperity.
Dai said China's development is an opportunity to the United
States.
Negroponte said the United States welcomes China's development
and will devotes itself to developing a constructive and long-term
relationship of comprehensive cooperation with China.
The two sides agreed to continue to implement the consensus
reached by the two heads of state and to properly handle sensitive
issues in bilateral relations.
Dai stressed China's firm opposition to Taiwan authorities'
splitting activities of "Taiwan independence", including the "UN
membership referendum", saying it is of great significance to
safeguard peace and stability across the Taiwan Straits and the
overall situation of China-US relations.
Negroponte said the United States understands the sensitive
nature of Taiwan issue and China's concern in this regard, adding
the US side insists on the one-China policy and opposes "Taiwan
independence" activities including the "UN membership
referendum".
The two sides agreed that the success of Beijing Olympic Games is the common interests
of the two countries and they will strengthen cooperation.
The two officials also agreed that the sixth strategic dialogue
will be held within this year in the United States.
The China-US Strategic Dialogue was launched in August 2005 in
accordance with the consensus of the two heads of state.
(Xinhua News Agency January 19, 2008)
