"Ever since the establishment of diplomatic ties between China and the United States, we have witnessed great progress in the friendly ties and exchanges between the people of Hawaii and China," Hu said at a luncheon hosted by Hawaii Governor Benjamin Cayetano.

Hu, who arrived here Saturday morning at the start of his first official visit to the United States, said China and the US share broad common interests in safeguarding peace and stability in the Asian-Pacific and the world at large and also in promoting economic development and securing economic prosperity of both the region and the world.

"I hope my current visit to the United States will help us implement the important consensus reached by President Jiang Zemin and President (George W.) Bush during their Beijing summit and we will be able to work together to further advance the constructive and cooperative relationship between us," the Chinese vice- president said.

A constructive and cooperative China-US relationship conforms to the common aspirations of the Chinese and American peoples, Hu said.

During the luncheon, children and women performed the local Hula Dance to the unique music of the indigenous Hawaiian people.

(Xinhua News Agency April 28, 2002)