Chinese Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi says relations between his country and the United States are on the "right track" ahead of Chinese President Hu Jintao's planned visit to Washington later this month.
Yang is in Washington to prepare for that state visit. Before a meeting Wednesday with U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, he said the two sides are "confronted with common challenges" and are "enjoying common opportunities."
Yang also said it is in the "best interests" of China, the United States and the world for both nations to keep working together to "bring more benefits" to their peoples.
Clinton said she and Yang feel a great responsibility to ensure that President Hu's U.S. visit continues a positive, cooperative and comprehensive relationship between their countries. Mr. Hu is due to begin the visit January 19.
U.S. President Barack Obama reaffirmed his commitment to a positive relationship with China Tuesday, when he joined a White House meeting between Yang and U.S. National Security Adviser Tom Donilon.
The White House said Donilon used the talks to stress the importance of reducing imbalances in the global economy and in U.S.-China trade. The United States has been urging China to let its currency appreciate in value more rapidly.
The White House said the talks also dealt with efforts to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons, persuade North Korea to accept nuclear disarmament and ensure the success of an upcoming referendum in southern Sudan.
Some information for this report was provided by AP, AFP and Reuters.
