His visit marks the first official meeting between leaders of the two countries since the new US administration was formed.

The vice-premier will meet the representative figures of various committees and circles in the United States.

His visit is widely regarded as an opportunity for an extensive and in-depth exchange of ideas on bilateral relations and a series of important international and regional issues.

"We believe that the vice-premier's visit will contribute to better mutual understanding between the two countries and to maintaining stability and cooperation in our region and in the world," Foreign Minister Tang Jiaxuan said.

Prior to Qian's visit, President George W. Bush said that he and the new US administration have attached great importance to US-China relations and will work hard to promote the ties between the two nations.

Bush said China is a major country which will become more and more important in the future, and the improvement and development of the relationship between the United States and China will benefit the two countries.

A number of sensitive issues could come up during Qian's visit, such as US arms sales to Taiwan and the National Missile Defence program (NMD).

"Handling the Taiwan question properly on the basis of the three Sino-US joint communiques is the key to a sound and steady progression of relations between the two countries," said Yang Jiechi, ambassador to the United States.

He stressed that China and the United States should make concerted efforts to develop a sound and stable cooperative relationship for the interests of both countries and people all over the world.

Qian is scheduled to give a speech at a luncheon meeting tomorrow hosted by the American Chamber of Commerce, an influential organization which promotes international commercial cooperation.

(China Daily 03/19/2001)