Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao Saturday appreciated the great importance that the Obama administration places on expanding Sino-US relations.

Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao (1st R) meets with visiting U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton (1st L) in Beijing, China, Feb. 21, 2009. [Xinhua/Liu Weibing]

During a meeting with visiting US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, Wen said in the face of the complicated and ever-shifting international political and economic situation, China and the United States should not only "cross the river in a common boat," but also "progress together hand in hand".

Wen said since the two countries established diplomatic links three decades ago, history has proved that cooperation and common prosperity remain the sole correct route (for the development of bilateral relations).

Wen called for the two sides to proceed from strategic height and long-term prospect to take care of each other's core interests, continuously enrich the content of their constructive and cooperative relations and advance bilateral links from a new starting point.

Wen said that jointly addressing the global financial crisis provides an opportunity for China and the United States to strengthen mutual trust and cooperation.He suggested that the two countries should perfect and give full play to bilateral mechanisms, increase consultation and coordination in multilateral fields.

Wen said the two sides should firmly oppose trade and investment protectionism in various forms.

Wen also called for the two countries to adopt proactive measures to overcome current difficulties in economy and in the same time, focus on developing an all-round, long-term and stable relationship of cooperation.

Wen said the two countries should work together in addressing such issues as climate change, energy security and environment protection and realizing the millennium development goals.

Clinton said that the Obama administration was ready to tackle the financial crisis and oppose trade protectionism. She introduced the economic stimulus package of the Obama administration and expressed the appreciation of China's efforts and measures to promote economic growth. She also said that the United States wished to work together with China in coping with various challenges including the issue of development.

Wen welcomed Clinton in Beijing as she made her first visit to China since becoming Secretary of State.

Noting that Clinton has repeatedly voiced a willingness to develop positive and cooperative relations with China, Wen said this reflects the high importance that the Obama administration puts on developing Sino-US relations.

"As the world is faced with the grim impact of the financial crisis, I very much appreciate a (Chinese) proverb you quoted that all countries should cross the river peacefully as they are in a common boat," Wen said. The proverb is from The Art of War by Sun Tzi, an ancient Chinese military strategist.

"Another saying in the book goes as 'progress together hand in hand,'" Wen said.

Clinton echoed Wen's comment by saying China and the United States have an opportunity to work closely together in the future.

"I quoted another Chinese proverb that 'you should dig a well before you are thirsty,'" Clinton said, referring to the need that the two countries should work together.

(Xinhua News Agency February 22, 2009)