Developing a constructive and cooperative relationship between China and the United States benefits the fundamental interests of the two countries, Zhou Wenzhong, Chinese Ambassador to the United States, said on Wednesday.

"China and the United States are all big countries with significant influence in the world. Developing a constructive and cooperative relationship not only serves the interests of the two peoples but makes contribution to world peace, stability and prosperity," Zhou told Xinhua on the eve of the 30th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and the U.S.

On Dec. 16, 1977, the governments of China and the United States issued the Joint Communique on the Establishment of Diplomatic Relations, and officially established diplomatic relations on Jan. 1, 1979.

"The bilateral trade volume increased 120-fold, from 2.4 billion U.S. dollars in 1979 to some 300 billion dollars in 2007," he said.

Fruitful results have been achieved in bilateral cooperation in the fields of culture, education, science and technology, counter-terrorism and non-proliferation, he said.

"The flourishing people-to-people exchange is one of the highlights in the bilateral relationship," Zhou said, adding that "there are 153 pairs of sister cities and 37 pairs of sister provinces or states between two countries, and over 5,000 people travel over the Pacific every day."

"The two countries have established over 60 dialogue, consultation and cooperation mechanisms. The most important ones are the Strategic Economic Dialogue and the Strategic Dialogue which have intensified discussion and cooperation on issues of common interests," he added.

The two sides should be committed to closer dialogues, cooperation and exchanges, respect and accommodate each other's core interests and major concerns and handle the differences and sensitive issues appropriately, said the ambassador.

"China and the United States have broad common interests despite the different social systems and cultural heritages. The fundamental interests of the two countries rely on the healthy and steady development of the bilateral ties," said Zhou.

Zhou said he believes the Barack Obama administration would continue to promote relations with China.

(Xinhua News Agency January 1, 2009)