Hu said he hoped both sides would make concerted efforts and meticulous preparation for a successful visit.

Armitage was in Beijing to hold consultations with Vice-Foreign Minister Li Zhaoxing. Vice Premier Qian Qichen and Foreign Minister Tang Jiaxuan also met him yesterday.

Hu praised the cooperation between the two countries on trade and the fight against terrorism, and close consultations on global and regional issues. He commended the positive results achieved in those areas.

He added that, though there are still differences between the two countries, they share extensive common interests. Hu said he hoped the two countries will handle bilateral ties from strategic and long-term perspectives.

Hu explained China's policy on the Taiwan question and stressed that the separatist activities of those seeking Taiwan independence posed "a grave threat to peace and stability across the Taiwan Straits" and "sabotaged peace and stability in the Asia-Pacific region." He urged Washington to adhere to the one-China policy and the principles set forth in the three Sino-US joint communiqués.

Armitage said US President George W. Bush and Chinese President Jiang's Shanghai and Beijing meetings played a vital role in improving and developing bilateral ties.

Washington attaches importance to Jiang's visit and is ready to make full preparations along with the Chinese side, he said. He reiterated that the US Government continues to adhere to the one-China policy and does not support Taiwan independence.

Foreign Minister Tang told Armitage that China welcomed the decision made by the US to put "East Turkistan" separatists on the list of terrorist organizations. China is consistently opposed to the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction and hopes to strengthen cooperation with the US on the basis of equality and mutual trust, Tang added.

(China Daily August 27, 2002)