China and the United Stated have never enjoyed so extensive common interests as they do today and have worked together to uphold world peace and stability and tackle growing economic and financial challenges, Wen said.

However, "due to differences in social system development level, history and culture, China and the United States may not see eye to eye on certain issues," he said, adding that as long as the two sides engage in dialogue and consultation on the basis of equality and mutual respect, they will be able to gradually dispel misgivings and enhance mutual trust.

He said that both the Chinese people and the American people are open, innovative, and eager to learn.

"Two countries that appreciate each other and learn from each other can live together in amity and achieve common progress."

"China's development will not harm anyone, nor will it be a threat to anyone. China has taken an active part in the building of the international system and will not do anything to undermine it. China is a big responsible country," Wen reiterated.

Touching upon the Taiwan question, Wen said, "The question of Taiwan has always been the most sensitive question at the core of China-US relations. History has shown that the smooth development of China-US relations depends, to a great extent, on the proper handling of the Taiwan question.

Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao (R) shakes hands with former US secretary of state Henry Kissinger in New York, the United States, September 23, 2008. [Yao Dawei/Xinhua]

"We hope the US side will stick to its commitment, adhere to the one China principle and the three China-US joint communiques, and oppose Taiwan independence," he emphasized.

"We hope the United States will support improvement of relations and the realization of common development between the two sides of the Taiwan Strait. This serves the interests of people on both sides of the Taiwan Strait and is conducive to China-US relations and peace in the world."

Wen also took questions after delivering the speech. When asked about China's food safety, he said that the Chinese government has paid great attention to the country's recent infant formula milk power contamination incident and adopted a series of resolute measures to deal with it.

China will take vigorous measures to ensure the quality of products and food safety, Wen said, adding that China's exports will meet both international standards and requirements of importers and China is willing to enhance cooperation with the US in this regard.

US Secretary of Labor Elaine L. Chao, former Secretary of State Henry Kissinger, and Chair of the Board of Directors of the National Committee on US-China Relations Carla A. Hills also made speeches during the luncheon.

They shared the view that enhancing China-US cooperation is vital to the maintaining of world peace and stability and the resolution of many issues facing the world, and the US should continue to maintain engagements and cooperation with China.

During his three-day stay in New York, Wen will attend a high-level UN meeting for the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) Thursday and the general debate of the 63rd UN General Assembly Wednesday. He will address the two meetings to further outline China's development objectives.  

 (Xinhua News Agency September 24, 2008)