China and the United States concluded their fifth strategic dialogue Friday, after exchanging in-depth views on bilateral and international issues, according to the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The two-day dialogue was co-chaired by Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Dai Bingguo and US Deputy Secretary of State John Negroponte, exchanging views on international situation, lasting and healthy development of China-US relations, and cooperation on international and regional issues.

According to the Chinese Foreign Ministry, Dai stressed China will follow the road of peaceful development, carry out an opening-up strategy featuring mutual benefits, and strive to promote the building of a harmonious world of lasting peace and common prosperity.

Dai said China's development is an opportunity to the United States.

Negroponte said the United States welcomes China's development and will devotes itself to developing a constructive and long-term relationship of comprehensive cooperation with China.

The two sides agreed to continue to implement the consensus reached by the two heads of state and to properly handle sensitive issues in bilateral relations.

Dai stressed China's firm opposition to Taiwan authorities' splitting activities of "Taiwan independence", including the "UN membership referendum", saying it is of great significance to safeguard peace and stability across the Taiwan Straits and the overall situation of China-US relations.

Negroponte said the United States understands the sensitive nature of Taiwan issue and China's concern in this regard, adding the US side insists on the one-China policy and opposes "Taiwan independence" activities including the "UN membership referendum".

The two sides agreed that the success of Beijing Olympic Games is the common interests of the two countries and they will strengthen cooperation.

The two officials also agreed that the sixth strategic dialogue will be held within this year in the United States.

The China-US Strategic Dialogue was launched in August 2005 in accordance with the consensus of the two heads of state.

(Xinhua News Agency January 19, 2008)