WASHINGTON: Visiting President Hu Jintao told US business and political leaders on Thursday that China's growth lies in peaceful development and a peaceful international environment.

"China must pursue a path of peaceful development if it is to realize its modernization goal," said Hu in a speech delivered at a dinner hosted by a range of organizations, such as the US-China Business Council, the National Committee on US-China Relations and the US Chamber of Commerce.

He said that China's approach is deeply rooted in its history, culture and tradition.

"The path of peaceful development embodies national traits fostered by the Chinese culture over several thousand years and accords with the lofty pursuit of the Chinese people, who love and value peace," he said.

This also conforms to the trend of the times, said Hu, noting that China plays a "responsible and constructive role" in promoting world peace and development.

Hu put forward a six-point proposal to advance China-US relations, which is believed had "gone far beyond a bilateral context and had become increasingly global in importance."

Hu made the speech after a summit meeting with US President George W. Bush, during which the two leaders agreed that there are many strategic interests between the two countries.

Hu's proposals include:

Increase understanding, expand common ground and build long-term and stable constructive and co-operative China-US relations.

Seize opportunities to consolidate and expand the foundation for bilateral economic co-operation and trade.

The two countries should encourage companies to build strong business ties and explore new opportunities in such sectors as telecommunications, environmental protection and services, and strengthen strategic consultation on energy.

Adhere to principles, honour commitments and properly handle the question of Taiwan in accordance with the three China-US Joint Communiques.

China appreciates the US Government's commitment on the one-China policy and opposition to "Taiwan independence" and urges it to honour its commitment.

China is ready to deepen anti-terror co-operation with the US on the basis of reciprocity and mutual benefit, work with the US to uphold the international non-proliferation regime, properly address the Iranian nuclear issue through diplomatic means and negotiation and continue to peacefully resolve the nuclear issue on the Korean Peninsula through the Six-Party Talks.

Draw on each other's strengths and strengthen friendly exchanges between the two peoples.

The two countries should step up co-operation in science and technology, culture and education, increase exchanges between media and think tanks, between provinces and cities as well as among young people.

Respect each other, treat each other as equals and view differences in a proper context and manage them properly.

China will keep advancing human rights in the course of its social development. The Chinese people fully enjoy freedom of religious beliefs as provided by law, Hu said.

"Hu's speech was very good, especially on the economic side," said Michael Green, an expert from the Centre for Strategic & International Studies, which was one of the hosts of the dinner.

China has made concrete efforts to push bilateral economic and trade relations, including the purchase of US commodities as well as the promise of adjusting the renminbi exchange rate regime, said Green in an interview with China Daily after the speech.

The United States has higher expectations of China in the security sector, hoping China will play a bigger role in resolving the nuclear issues of Iran and the Korean Peninsula, Green said.

(China Daily 04/22/2006 page2)