China and the United States share a consensus on developing bilateral relations, China's Foreign Ministry said on Tuesday.

Ministry spokesman Qin Gang made the remarks at a regular press conference when he was asked to comment on the next U.S. government's China policy.

Qin cited the telephone conversation between Chinese President Hu Jintao and U.S. president-elect Barack Obama on Nov. 8.

"Mr Obama said in the telephone conversation that U.S.-China relations are of vital importance. He hopes the two countries will strengthen cooperation and promote greater development of bilateral ties," said Qin.

Mr Obama also said the United States hopes to strengthen consultation and coordination with China on security and climate change and find resolutions to regional issues, he said.

Qin said China is willing to work with the United States to maintain high-level exchanges and contacts, continue strategic dialogue, enhance exchanges and cooperation, and appropriately settle sensitive issues between the two countries in a bid to promote constructive cooperation.

He said the possibility of a meeting between President Hu and Obama in Washington during the G20 summit is still under discussion.

(Xinhua News Agency November 11, 2008)