Chinese Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi met with visiting US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice in Beijing on Sunday, both vowing to continuously promote constructive bilateral relationship in the future.

The China-US relations, with many ups and downs, have generally maintained its momentum of progress since the two established diplomatic ties in 1979, Yang said.

China and the United States are confronted with crucial opportunities and challenges, which call for both to follow the trend of constructive cooperation, strengthen dialogue and exchanges in a strategic and long-term perspective, and properly deal with sensitive issues of each other's concern, Yang said.

Rice said that the US-China constructive relations are on a solid basis, and play an important role in regional and world peace and stability.

The United States is willing to enhance dialogue and cooperation with China to deal with global issues and challenges, she said.

"The United States and China have developed constructive relationship. We have our differences....but those differences have not obscured a very important fact, that is the US and China must work together to resolve many challenges that we faced in the international community in a constructive and diplomatic manner," Rice said when meeting the press.

The two sides agreed to keep close collaboration to ensure meetings between both state leaders in the G8 summit scheduled for July 7-9 in Japan's Hokkaido to produce fruitful results.

During their one-hour talk, Yang also expatiated on Chinese government's policy and position on the Taiwan issue, voicing the hope that the United States honors its commitments to adhere to the one-China policy, abide by the three Sino-US joint communiques and oppose "Taiwan independence".

Rice reiterated that the United States opposes "Taiwan independence" and hopes to see continued improvement of cross-Strait relations.

Yang also expressed thanks for the US support of a successful Olympic Games in Beijing and extended warm welcome to President Bush and Rice to visit Beijing for the Games in August.

The two sides agreed to resume dialogue on human rights based on equality and mutual respect.

The two sides also exchanged views on the Iran nuclear issue, Darfur issue and current situation in Zimbabwe.

Yang thanks US government, people for quake relief aid

Yang Jiechi told US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice that China is grateful to the quake relief aid the U.S. government and people offered.

At the beginning of their official talks in Beijing, Yang expressed appreciation for Rice's brief trip to the quake area in China's Sichuan province.

He told Rice that the Chinese people will win a full victory in fighting against the disaster with the guidance of the government, the efforts of the whole nation and the support from the international community including the United States.

Rice said she was very impressed by her visit to the quake area, adding what struck her most is the spirit of the people there.

Before heading for the Chinese capital on Sunday afternoon, Rice paid a four-hour trip to China's quake-hit Sichuan Province, extending condolences for people there.

(Xinhua News Agency June 30, 2008)