US Vice President Richard B. Cheney on Thursday met with visiting Chinese Foreign Minister Tang Jiaxuan in the White House and the two sides called for further cooperation among the world community in the struggle against international terrorism.

During the meeting, Cheney expressed thanks to China for its support of America's effort in fighting back terrorism, and reaffirmed that the United States wants to promote exchanges and cooperation with China in the field of anti-terrorism.

Cheney also said he agreed with the view that innocent people should not be hurt in any counterattack against terrorism.

He said that the attacks in New York and Washington have not only brought about a disaster to the American people, but also caused damage to the world as a whole.

Tang, who arrived on Wednesday to kick off his two-day visit, reiterated that the Chinese government has always been opposed to and condemned terrorism in any form.

"China cares about the progress of the rescue work in New York and Washington and is ready to offer all kinds of assistance in need," he added.

Noting that terrorism has posed "a serious threat" to peace and stability in the world, Tang said that China is willing to work together with the United States and the international community to beef up consultation and cooperation in the common struggle against terrorism.

Meanwhile, Tang said, combating terrorism entails definite targets and should refrain from hurting innocent people. And in addition, the UN Security Council should play its due role in this respect, he said.

Tang said that the meeting between President Jiang Zemin and President George W. Bush at the APEC summit next month as well as the following visit by Bush to Beijing is "of major significance for the development of China-US relations."

He expressed the hope that the two countries would make concerted efforts in preparation for the forthcoming meeting and President Bush's China trip so as to make them a success.

Tang emphasized that China is willing to develop a constructive relationship of cooperation with the United States on the basis of the three joint communiques signed by the two countries.

During the meeting, Cheney stressed that the United States considers its ties with China as one of the most significant bilateral relations, and wants to establish a good relationship with the country.

He said that President Bush is looking forward to visiting China next month, which he believes will yield positive results.

(Xinhua News Agency 09/21/2001)