Chinese Foreign Minister Li Zhaoxing exchanged views with US Secretary of State Colin Powell over telephone Sunday morning on bilateral ties, the DPRK (Democratic People's Republic of Korea) nuclear issue and the Iraq issue.

Li said Sino-US relations remain a good momentum of development on the whole and China appreciates US reiteration of sticking to one-China policy, three China-US joint communiques and the opposition to the independence of Taiwan during his recent visit to the United States.

Li expressed his hope that the United States consistently keeps its promises and handles well various issues related to the Taiwan, and safeguards the healthy momentum of bilateral ties.

Several days later, Chinese President Hu Jintao will meet with US President George W. Bush in Bangkok. The meeting will be a great event for China-US relations, Li said, stressing that the two sides should make good preparations to ensure that the meeting yields good results.

Powell agreed with Li's views and said that the growth momentum of US-China relations is satisfying and President Bush is committed to improving US's ties with China.

The United States will uphold one-China policy and the principles in the three joint communiques, and oppose to the independence of Taiwan, Powell said.

Li also exchanged views with Powell on the DPRK nuclear issue, and both hoped that the proceeding of the Beijing six-party talks should not be interrupted.

Powell briefed Li about the recent development of the draft resolution on Iraq issue. Li said that it is necessary for the United Nations to pass a new resolution and help the country to restore sovereignty as early as possible, and enable relevant parties to see the hope of "Iraqi people governing Iraq".

Li Zhaoxing noted that the resolution should give the United Nations a bigger role in the Iraq issue. China expects relevant parties to narrow their differences and reach consensus soon.

(Xinhua News Agency October 12, 2003)