Chinese Defense Minister Cao Gangchuan arrived in New York on Friday for an official goodwill visit to the United States.

Cao, also vice-chairman of the Central Military Commission and a state councilor, came at the invitation of US Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld.

Cao said at the airport that both China and the United States are countries that carry considerable weight and shoulder major responsibilities in the world.

China and the United States share a broad range of common interests and a broad basis for their cooperation on issues concerning international and regional security and the promotion of world development and progress, Cao said, adding that both countries have the desire to strengthen cooperation in this regard.

The development of a constructive and cooperative relationship between China and the United States is in keeping with the fundamental interests of the two peoples and is also conducive to peace, stability and development in the world, Cao said.

China and the United States now enjoy good momentum for development of bilateral ties and the two meetings between Chinese President Hu Jintao and US President George W. Bush this year are of great significance to the healthy, stable development of the bilateral ties, he said.

Noting that fresh progress has been made in bilateral exchanges and cooperation in various fields, the Chinese defense minister said his current visit is aimed at enhancing mutual understanding, seeking common ground while reserving differences, strengthening bilateral military exchanges, and promoting the healthy, stable development of bilateral military ties.

During his visit, Cao will meet US government and military leaders, exchange views with Rumsfeld on international and regional security and other issues of common concern, and visit US military units and schools.

(Xinhua News Agency October 26, 2003)