Cheng Siwei, vice-chairman of the Standing Committee of China's National People's Congress, said in Beijing Sunday that he hoped young political leaders of China and the United States will enhance exchanges and communication for better mutual understanding.

"The contact and understanding between young political leaders of the two countries will have a great impact on the development of China-US relations in the future," Cheng said in a meeting with a delegation of the American Council of Young Political Leaders, who were in China for a two-week visit.

Cheng said the stable development of China-US relations is not only in the fundamental interests of the two peoples, but also of great importance to peace and development of the whole world.

Due to their different social systems as well as historical and cultural backgrounds, China and the United States need exchanges and communication to promote mutual understanding, trust, friendship and cooperation, he said.

Cheng, also a renowned economist, answered questions from delegation members concerning China's economic development and legal system.

The US delegation came at the invitation of the All-China Youth Federation.

(Xinhua News Agency August 1, 2004)