BEIJING - China and the United States on Tuesday held their second consultation on Asia-Pacific affairs, during which both sides agreed to jointly maintain regional stability and cooperation.

A press release issued after the closed-door consultation said the two countries shoulder common responsibilities and share common interests in maintaining regional stability, promoting economic development, dealing with security challenges and promoting regional cooperation.

The two countries should further enhance communication, coordination and cooperation and endeavor for the region's peace, stability and prosperity, the press release said.

The consultation, co-chaired by Vice Foreign Minister Cui Tiankai and US Assistant Secretary for East Asian and Pacific Affairs Kurt Campbell, saw the leaders discussing issues regarding the two countries' interaction and cooperation in the Asia-Pacific region.

The Chinese side conveyed its concern regarding several issues that may affect bilateral ties with the United States.

The Chinese side said that maintaining the sound and stable development of China-US ties is an important requirement for dialogues and cooperation in the Asia-Pacific region, according to the release.

The Chinese side spoke highly of the progress of bilateral relations since President Hu Jintao's US visit in January.

However, it also voiced strong dissatisfaction and firm opposition to the US's "interference in China's domestic affairs and infringement upon China's interests," referring to issues surrounding Taiwan, Tibet and the valuation of China's currency, the press release said.

China values its cooperative partnership with the United States, which was settled by the leaders of both countries during Hu's visit, the press release said.

China hopes the United States will respect China's core interests and concerns and cooperate with the Chinese side to promote the sound and stable development of bilateral ties, the press release said.

The US side said it attaches high importance to its relationship with China and is committed to its sound and stable development, the press release said.

The US side also expressed welcome and support for the peaceful development of cross-Straits relations. It will handle its relationship with China from a strategic point of view and strengthen cooperation with China to properly handle disputes, according to the press release.

China also reiterated its stance regarding the South China Sea issue during the consultation.

The two countries held their first consultation on Asia-Pacific affairs in Hawaii in June.