US Deputy Secretary of State Robert B. Zoellick, describing his dialogue with Vice Foreign Minister Dai Bingguo as "constructive," said on Thursday that the purpose of the dialogue was to discuss the strategic framework of US-China relations.

Zoellick made the remarks in a statement released after the conclusion on Thursday of the Second US-China strategic dialogue held in Washington.

The two-day dialogue was attended on the Chinese side by Dai.

"I believe we have had a constructive interchange about how China and the US can cooperate in the present international system, so as to work for a more secure and prosperous world that respects human rights and the rule of law," Zoellick said.

He said that as China becomes a major global player, the US is "now encouraging China to become a 'responsible stakeholder' that will work with the US and others to sustain, adapt, and advance the peaceful international system that has enabled its success."

The strategic dialogue grew out of a suggestion by President Hu Jintao to US President George W. Bush last fall at an APEC meeting. And the first dialogue was held in Beijing last August.

Zoellick said that following the first dialogue, "I outlined the US approach to Sino-American relations in a speech in New York in September."

In his September speech, Zoellick mentioned the concept of urging China to become a "responsible stakeholder."

"This strategic framework can help us identify mutual interests and guide our cooperation with China in a number of areas," he added.

He also said that "We noted that by anticipating challenges and discussing problems openly, including in those areas where we may not agree, we are more likely to advance our mutual interests and manage our differences."

"The work between China and the US, in a host of fora and exchanges, is important and ongoing," he said, adding that "Strategic discussions such as the one we've just completed are designed to look across the spectrum of our relationship, anticipate issues, and discuss a conceptual framework for how we can make our shared future better for the American people, the Chinese people and the world."

"We hope this shared approach will lead to greater cooperation at the operational level," Zoellick said.

The two sides also agreed to continue the dialogue next year.

(Xinhua News Agency December 9, 2005)