Wang Jiarui, a senior official of the Communist Party of China (CPC), said on Tuesday that China is ready to enhance mutual understanding and strengthen cooperation with the US.

"China attaches great importance to China-US relationship and is ready to make joint efforts to enhance mutual understanding and strengthen cooperation," said Wang, head of the International Department of the CPC Central Committee, in a meeting with former US President Reagan's National Security Advisor Robert McFarlane.

The two held positive views towards the steady development of the China-US relations in recent years.

Wang called on both sides to implement the consensus reached by the two heads of state on comprehensively promoting China-US constructive and cooperative ties in the 21st century, and to respect the concerns of each other and stick to peaceful diplomatic manner in promoting the settlement of international and regional issues.

McFarlane, who headed a visiting delegation of the American Foreign Policy Council, said China is emerging as a world power with increasing international influence and has played an active role in international and regional disputes.

He said the US political parties, no matter which will win the election, will all strategically attach great importance to the relationship with China and continue to maintain, deepen and expand the US-China relationship.

The two also exchanged views on such issues as the Iranian nuclear issue, the Korean Peninsula nuclear issue and energy security.

(Xinhua News Agency September 26, 2007)