Chinese State Councilor Tang Jiaxuan met with US Assistant to the President for National Security Affairs Condoleezza Rice Friday.

Tang appreciated Rice's contribution to the growth of Sino-US relations, saying she played a very important role in the policy-making of US foreign affairs.

China attaches importance to her visit, Tang said, noting he hoped and believed the visit will be beneficial to the sound development of Sino-US ties.

The relations between China and the United States, both big countries with worldwide influence, bears not only bilateral importance but will have its impact to the situation in Asia, even world at large, Tang said.

China and the United States share common interests while there are still major differences between the two, Tang added.

Rice kicked off her China tour Thursday noon upon arrival in Beijing. She was expected to conclude her visit to China Friday noon.

(Xinhua News Agency July 9, 2004)