New US administration ought to continue China policies

(Xinhua)
Updated: 2009-01-12 22:53

BEIJING - China on Monday voiced the hope that the incoming US administration would show "enough strategic insight and political wisdom" to enhance the relationship between the two countries.

"We hope and believe the new US administration will show enough strategic insight and political wisdom and continue the fine legacy of successive US administrations concerning the policy toward China," Chinese Vice Foreign Minister He Yafei said at a seminar to mark the 30th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and the United States.

He said the basic principle of the Chinese side to develop relations with the United States would remain unchanged after President-elect Barack Obama takes office on January 20.

"We hope the administration will work with the Chinese side to enhance mutual understanding, expand cooperation, properly handle differences and bring China-US relations to a new height," he said.

He proposed five suggestions to promote the sustained, healthy and steady development of constructive and cooperative relations.

They included that both sides fully appreciate the strategic importance of developing bilateral relations; continue to view and handle China-US relations from a long-term strategic perspective; adhere to the principles of the three China-US joint communiques; and work on the basis of mutual respect, equality, and cooperation.

The two sides also needed to deepen dialogue and mutual understanding and work to enhance mutual trust.

He pointed out that China and the United States needed to deepen mechanisms such as the Strategic Economic Dialogue and the Strategic Dialogue and create new platforms of exchange and communication to enhance mutual trust.

It was particularly important for the two sides to strengthen consultation and coordination in tackling the financial crisis and to contribute to international financial stability and global economic growth, as well as to maintain close consultation on climate change, energy, the environment and other global issues, said He.

He stressed that the two sides should properly handle differences and sensitive issues regarding Taiwan and minimize potential sources for problems.

He also suggested the two countries promote friendly exchanges between the legislatures, local governments, business communities, academic institutions and media organizations and to strengthen social forces supporting bilateral relations.