I for one believe the strategic foundation of China-US relations lies in our ever expanding common interests in promoting sustainable economic development in the world. We live in a world where countries are more interdependent with their interests more closely interconnected than at any time in history. At a time when the international financial crisis continues to spread and develop, the primary common interest of China and the United States is to weather the storm together like passengers in the same boat and support each other to get through the tough times and emerge from the crisis victorious. We should make due contribution to bringing about a new round of world economic growth. Even when the train of the world economy drives into fairly smooth areas one day, there will still be the need for China and the United States, the two big engines, to jointly push it forward on a continuous basis.

I for one believe the strategic foundation of China-US relations lies in the longstanding friendship and mutual-learning between our peoples. They cherish a keen interest in each other's diverse culture and a strong wish to know each other better. Social and cultural exchanges between our two countries are becoming increasingly dynamic and intensive. The geographical distance of 10-plus hours' flight has not stood in the way of interflow between the Chinese and Americans. Each day, over 5,000 people travel across the two sides of the Pacific Ocean. Ever closer exchanges and interaction between people of our two countries contain enormous energy and have far-reaching impact. They will make people better appreciate the fact that the world is a diversified place, human civilizations are colorful and all countries should live in harmony.

In the face of the profound changes in the international landscape and mounting global challenges, China and the United States have a new historic opportunity for the development of their relations. Our two countries shoulder greater responsibilities for world peace and stability, have more common interests and enjoy broader prospects for cooperation. Exchanges, cooperation and mutual benefit should be the defining features of the 21st century. Gone should be the days when countries competed at the expense of each other's interests under a zero-sum mentality because those who preach such a competition approach and model are bound to be the biggest losers today. China and the United States should and can set an example in achieving win-win progress and making greater joint efforts for an even better world.

We are happy to see that in the past 50 days since the new US administration took office, our two countries have worked together and ensured a smooth transition of relations. The two sides have established good working relations at the top level and between various government departments. President Hu Jintao and President Obama talked by phone and reached important agreement on advancing China-US relations in the new era. Secretary Clinton paid a successful visit to China last month, which contributed in a big way to our mutual understanding and cooperation. The two countries have maintained close consultation and coordination in bilateral and multilateral areas. "A good beginning is half the success." This good start has laid the groundwork for the further growth of China-US relations.