Chinese President Hu Jintao met in Beijing on Wednesday with Zbigniew Brzezinski, former National Security Assistant to the US President.

Hu expressed appreciation for the efforts Brzezinski has made for the establishment of Sino-US diplomatic relations, which he believed opened a new chapter for the two countries.

Hu said facts show that the development of Sino-US relations conforms to the fundamental interest of the two peoples, and benefits regional and world peace and stability.

He said that Sino-US relations have become increasingly important, and that partnership between the two countries has expanded.

China and the United States should promote understanding and common ground so as to push forward that relationship in the new century, Hu said.

Brzezinski said that exchanges and cooperation between the United States and China are in line with the interests of the two sides, and benefits regional and world stability and development.

He said that confronted with challenges in the 21st century, China and the United States should enhance teamwork in a number of areas.

Defense Minister Cao Gangchuan also met with Brzezinski on Wednesday. He said that, as an important part of Sino-US relations, the promotion of Sino-US military relations is in the interests of two sides, and conducive to world peace and stability.

(China Daily January 8, 2004)