He said Beijing is willing to work with Washington to firmly deter Taiwan secessionist forces, maintain peace and stability across the Taiwan Straits, and ensure a sound and stable development of a constructive relationship with the US.

Hu said China would work with the US to handle bilateral relations from a long-term and strategic point of view.

He thanked the US government and people for their assistance during China's recent snow disasters.

Rice recounted President George W. Bush as saying "the US people are pleased to do whatever to help people in southern China. This is the evidence of our governments being able to cooperate in a time of extreme circumstance". The US government donated 150,000 US dollars and the US Defense Department provided disaster-relief materials worth about 820,000 US dollars.

This is Rice's fourth visit to China as secretary of state and comes at a time when momentous events are in the offing in both countries, such as the Olympic Games and the US presidential election.

In the meeting with Yang, Rice said Washington hopes to establish an even more solid relationship with Beijing.

She also said the US opposes politicizing of the Beijing Olympic Games, noting that Bush and his family are looking forward to attending the opening ceremony in August.

The two sides also discussed the resumption of human rights dialogues, as well as international issues including the situation in the Korean Peninsula, Iran and Sudan.

Rice also met Premier Wen Jiabao and State Councilor Tang Jiaxuan yesterday.

Analysts said Rice's visit is key to maintaining the momentum in Sino-US ties.

Jin Canrong, a professor at Renmin University of China, said the mechanisms to deal with differences between the two countries are much more stronger than before.

"Common interests are growing and the willingness to develop bilateral ties is firm and resolute," Jin said.

(China Daily February 27, 2008)