Premier Wen Jiabao said the U.S. should remove export restrictions on high-tech products to China in order to address trade imbalance between the two countries.

"China is prepared to buy more from the United States," Wen said.

Speaking at the last press conference Wednesday following the conclusion of China's annual sessions of the National People's Congress and Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference in Beijing, Wen recounted his work in promoting the country's economic reform during his nine years in office. [More about the press conference]

The premier said the trade imbalance has long been a problem deeply concerning to him. The gap between the two countries' exports grew to an all time high of US$273 billion in 2010, and shrunk slightly to US$270 billion in 2011.

Wen said after twice meeting with U.S. President Barack Obama, he has concluded that the way to resolve the imbalance and the resulting frictions between the two countries is "through cooperative efforts."

Wen proposed enhanced trading relationships in high-tech fields including alternative energy, new materials, energy conservation and aviation.

"I believe that cooperation between China and the U.S. is always better than confrontation," Wen said. "As long as we continue to move in this right direction, the business ties between China and the United States will enjoy sustained and sound growth."

Chinese officials have repeatedly contested the U.S. ban on exporting high-tech products to China. Some experts in China blame these restrictions for the trade imbalance, as China is forced to turn to other countries to meet its demands.

Meanwhile, the U.S. has been placing the fault on China, alleging that it uses protectionist trade policies and currency manipulation to gain an unfair advantage.

Wen's most recent remarks came a day after the U.S., EU and Japan together filed a case against China at the WTO, challenging its restrictions on rare earth exports. Obama said Tuesday at a White House press conference: "When it is necessary, I will take action if our workers and our businesses are being subjected to unfair practices."

In contrast to Obama's sharp tone, however, the International Longshoremen's Association presented Wen with the "Best Friend of the American Worker" award on March 2. According to a report by China Daily, the biggest maritime union in the U.S. said the award marked China's "great contributions in creating more job opportunities for U.S. workers."

In what would likely be his last appearance as premier at the NPC and CPPCC sessions, Wen said the award was a symbol of the win-win economic relations between the U.S. and China.

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