A group of Chinese and US lawmakers have met in Washington for the exchange of views on Sino-US relations and regional and international issues of mutual concern.

 

A delegation of China's National People's Congress (NPC), headed by Jiang Enzhu, chairman of the NPC Foreign Affairs Committee, held the ninth formal meeting under the inter-parliamentary exchange mechanism between the NPC and the US House of Representatives on Wednesday.

 

At the meeting co-chaired by Jiang and US Representative Joseph Crowley, the two sides agreed that the Sino-US relationship is one of their most important bilateral ties.

 

During the meeting, the Chinese delegation said the two sides should ensure a long-term, sound and steady development of the constructive and cooperative relationship between the two countries by handling the ties from a strategic, long-term perspective, and by addressing their differences in a proper manner.

 

The US side said it attaches great importance to relations with the Chinese side, and is willing to strengthen cooperation with China in various fields through exchanges and dialogue.

 

The two sides spoke highly of the positive role the inter-parliamentary exchange mechanism has played in enhancing understanding, expanding consensus and promoting cooperation between the two countries.

 

They agreed that such regular exchanges have proven to be fruitful and should be maintained. Both sides also agreed to hold the next formal meeting under the exchange mechanism in Beijing this fall.

 

On the Taiwan issue, the U.S. side reaffirmed that it adheres to the one-China policy, abides by its obligations in the three Sino-US communiqués governing bilateral relations and opposes "Taiwan independence."

 

As to the economic and trade relationship, the two sides spoke positively of the outcome achieved in the second meeting of the Sino-US Strategic Economic Dialogue held here in late May.

 

They also agreed to support their respective government to enhance mutually beneficial cooperation in energy and environmental protection.

 

The Chinese delegation also met leaders of the Senate's Foreign Relations Committee and the House Foreign Affairs Committee, as well as leaders of some other congressional committees, on a wide range of international and regional issues of mutual concern.

 

The Chinese delegation expounded China's principle position on the Darfur issue and expressed strong dissatisfaction and resolute opposition to a resolution passed recently by the US House of Representatives, which urged China to press Sudan on the Darfur issue.

 

(Xinhua News Agency June 15, 2007)