Both China and the United States, being influential countries, should make a greater contribution to safeguarding global peace and promoting development.
President Jiang Zemin made the remarks in Beijing Tuesday at a meeting with Brent Scowcroft, former National Security Affairs assistant to the US president.
Jiang said that both countries' leaders should examine their common strategic interests and view Sino-US relations from a long-term perspective.
On the basis of the three Sino-US joint communiqués, they should also strengthen exchanges and cooperation, enhance understanding and trust, and handle their disputes properly -- the Taiwan question in particular -- to ensure sound, steady and sustained progress on bilateral ties, Jiang said.
Jiang said that Scowcroft, a longtime friend of the Chinese people, has visited China several times and has made positive contributions towards improving the understanding and trust between leaders of the two countries.
Scowcroft conveyed former US President George Bush's regards to Jiang and said US-China relations were of significance to both countries and the world. He also said the nations shoulder common responsibilities for world security and stability.
Although disputes have occurred between the US and China, they have more interests in common, and boosting cooperation can only help them better handle current world problems, he said.
Sino-Mauritian ties stressed
China will work with Mauritius to actively explore new avenues for bilateral cooperation and ensure sound and smooth progress in bilateral ties. Chinese President Jiang Zemin made the remarks yesterday when meeting with visiting Mauritian Prime Minister Anerood Jugnauth.
Jiang voiced his appreciation of Jugnauth's contributions towards the development of Sino-Mauritian relations, pointing to Jugnauth's past visits to China as a longtime friend of the Chinese people.
This week's visit coincided with the 30th anniversary of bilateral diplomatic ties and will further promote bilateral friendship and cooperation, Jiang said.
He said that although China and Mauritius are far apart geographically and have different social systems, the two countries have been friends for years, respect each other and treat each other as equals.
Jiang highlighted the frequent exchange of high-level visits, personnel contacts in various fields, fruitful cooperation in such sectors as economics, trade and culture, and the steady development of bilateral relations.
He said the Chinese Government has always encouraged Chinese people in Mauritius to abide by its laws and customs, take part in the country's economic development and play a positive role in its economic growth.
Jugnauth recalled his successful talks on Monday with Chinese Premier Zhu Rongji in which they exchanged views on furthering bilateral relations.
He also cited the cooperative agreements between the two countries and their economic and trade committee meeting convened during this visit.
He said this visit was proving very successful and would boost bilateral ties.
He voiced his satisfaction with the steady growth of bilateral relations and his appreciation for China's help in the last 30 years in keeping Mauritius' economy viable.
The two countries have effectively cooperated in such fields as the economy, technology and culture, said Jugnauth.
He also said Mauritius would step up the number of bilateral exchanges and boost bilateral relations.
He congratulated China on its economic and social progress and its entry into the World Trade Organization.
(China Daily July 3, 2002)
