Chinese President Hu Jintao said in Beijing Monday that stable and healthy relations between China and the United States conforms to the fundamental interests of the two peoples, and is conducive to the peace, stability and development of the region and the world at large.

Hu made the remarks in a meeting with visiting former US President Jimmy Carter.

Hu said that China and the United States have conducted fruitful cooperation in fighting terrorism as well as in trade and economic fields in recent years, and have maintained consultations and coordination on major international and regional issues.

He noted that Sino-US relations have further developed since the two countries forged diplomatic ties.

Hu expressed appreciation for the efforts Carter has made to promoting the relations between the two countries as well as the mutual understanding and friendship between the two peoples.

He pointed out that China and the United States have different national conditions, and thus they inevitably have certain diversities and differences. However, he said, the two sides have also shared extensive common interests.

He voiced his hope that both sides would expand their common interests and properly handle each other's concerns so as to further the constructive and cooperative relations.

Hu reaffirmed the Chinese government's stance on the Taiwan issue, and hoped that the US side could follow its commitment, observe the three Sino-US joint communiques, properly handle the Taiwan issue, including not sending wrong signals to those people who support "Taiwan independence", and play a constructive role inthe peaceful reunification of China.

Carter said that he is happy to visit China again and meet with Hu.

Carter was responsible for normalizing diplomatic relations between the United States and China when he was president. He said it was the most gratifying decision he made during his term.

He recalled his meeting with Deng Xiaoping, who was Chinese vice premier at that time. The Chinese village election system also greatly impressed him, he said.

(Xinhua News Agency September 9, 2003)