Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao told visiting US Secretary of State Colin Powell Monday that meetings of Chinese and American leaders will help to advance Sino-US relations.

During his meeting with Powell, Wen said he appreciated the contributions the secretary of state had made to promoting Sino-US relations.

He said Powell's visit to China reminded him of the happy experience of his visit to the United States 11 months ago, where he had talks with Powell and met with US President George W. Bush.

The meeting has substantiated the principles guiding Sino-US relations and will play a positive role in advancing such relations, Wen said.

Powell said he was very happy to visit Beijing once again and Wen's US visit remained fresh in his memory. During that visit, President Bush reaffirmed the one-China policy.

Powell arrived in Beijing Sunday afternoon for a two-day visit to China. This is the second leg of his Asian tour. He had visited Japan before coming to Beijing and will also visit the Republic of Korea.

(Xinhua News Agency October 25, 2004)