In a phone call on Tuesday, China's Foreign Minister, Li Zhaoxing congratulated the current US national security adviser, Condoleezza Rice, on her promotion to Secretary of State.

Li Zhaoxing also congratulated Rice's deputy, Stephen Hadley, on replacing her as national security adviser.

Li Zhaoxing expressed appreciation for Rice and Hadley's active efforts in improving Sino-US ties, and added that China is hoping for a concerted effort to make further progress during US President George W. Bush's second term.

(CRI.com November 18, 2004)