President Hu Jintao and his US counterpart George W. Bush yesterday highlighted common interests and areas for co-operation to keep Sino-US relations on track.

As a sign of his positive attitude towards bilateral ties, Bush praised China for hosting the Six-Party Talks on denuclearizing the Korean Peninsula, co-operation in the war on terror as well as its role in controlling bird flu.

While acknowledging differences between their countries, the two leaders pledged to address each other's concerns through mutual respect and consultation.

"We both believe sustainable, healthy and stable development of Sino-US ties conforms to ... the common aspiration of our two peoples," Hu said following a two-hour meeting with Bush in the Great Hall of the People.

Bush described bilateral ties as "very important," saying both nations share many common opportunities and challenges in the 21st century.

He expressed his hope to "continue our dialogue on how to make our relations as open and constructive for people in both our countries."

Bush flew in from the Republic of Korea on Saturday for his third visit to China since taking office in 2001.

Following their talks, which the two leaders called "constructive, friendly and candid," Hu told a joint news conference that the two countries agreed to shoulder their common responsibility and strengthen co-operation on a wide range of international and regional issues.

They include UN reforms, development issues, the war on terror, proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, potential international and regional flashpoints, natural disasters and the spread of such contagious epidemics as bird flu.

Agreements signed

The agreements signed yesterday include a joint memorandum of understanding on an initiative for a mega port and a joint-action call for preventing bird flu amid fears of a global pandemic.

The two leaders also agreed to pursue joint efforts to end the nuclear standoff on the Korean Peninsula through the Six-Party Talks, Hu noted.

Bush praised China for playing a leading role in the talks, saying both the US and China want "a Korean Peninsula that is stable, peaceful and free of nuclear weapons."

Hu stressed that China would work together with the United States to resolve growing trade frictions and crack down on intellectual property rights (IPR) violations.

He also vowed to unswervingly press ahead with exchange rate reform for the renminbi on the principle of benefiting not only China but also the world at large.

Bush said the United States and China are important trading partners while stressing that both gained from a system of free and fair trade.

Trade has proved to be one of the most frequent sources of disputes between the two countries as Washington said its trade deficit with Beijing is expected to exceed US$200 billion this year.

The Taiwan question

On the Taiwan question, Hu said Beijing will "do our utmost with all sincerity to strive for the prospect of a peaceful reunification of our country."

"That being said, we will by no means tolerate 'Taiwan independence'," he said, with Bush standing next to him.

The Chinese leader expressed his appreciation for Bush's stated opposition to "Taiwan independence" and his commitment to abiding by the one-China policy.

He assured Bush that China would stick to the road of peaceful development while developing democratic politics with Chinese characteristics and raising the level of human rights enjoyed by the Chinese people.

Bush said it is important that social, political and religious freedom grows in China and Washington will "encourage China to continue making the historictransition to greater freedom."

Bush also met Premier Wen Jiabao yesterday.

Hu accepts invitation to visit United States

President Hu Jintao accepted an invitation yesterday from visiting Bush to make an official trip to the United States early next year.

"I accept your invitation with pleasure and I am looking forward to visiting the United States early next year," said the Chinese leader, who postponed a trip to Washington in September when Hurricane Katrina struck.

It will be Hu's first official visit to Washington since becoming president in 2003, although he and Bush met in New York in September when both attended ceremonies marking the 60th anniversary of the United Nations.

[1]