China on Wednesday urged the United States to see clearly the true nature of the Dalai clique, understand and support the just position of the Chinese government and people.

Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi made the remarks in his meeting with visiting U.S. Treasury Secretary Henry M. Paulson, who is also a special representative of U.S. President George W. Bush.

Yang explained the truth of the Lhasa riots, and expounded the stance of the Chinese government. He stressed that the measures taken by the Chinese government according to law had not only gained support from the Chinese people, but also won understanding and support from majority of the countries in the world.

"China hopes the U.S. side to see clearly the true nature of the Dalai clique, respect truth and distinguish between right and wrong, understand and support the just position of the Chinese government and people," Yang said.

Both sides also conferred on China-U.S. relations and other relevant issues, and agreed to carefully fulfill the important consensus reached by the two heads of state, so as to push forward bilateral constructive cooperative ties.

Paulson arrived in Beijing earlier on Wednesday to start his two-day China trip for preparation for the fourth round of China-U.S. Strategic Economic Dialogue (SED).

Chinese President Hu Jintao met with him on Wednesday. President Hu's Special Representative and Vice Premier Wang Qishan held work talks with him and exchange views on China-U.S. SED and bilateral relations.

(Xinhua News Agency April 3, 2008)