Chinese Vice Premier Wu Yi said in Beijing Wednesday that trade disputes between China and the United States should be resolved through consultations on an equal footing and should not be politicized.

In a meeting with US Trade Representative Robert Zoellick, Wu said as the two countries continuously expanded bilateral trade relations, it was natural there might be some disputes and friction.

Wu suggested that both China and the United States should hold positive and friendly attitudes to solving the current trade disputes.

China and the United States could complement each other in trade, Wu said.

Since China entered the World Trade Organization less than two years ago, the trade ties between the two countries have been developed towards mutual benefit and reciprocity, she said.

A healthy trade relationship between the two countries might benefit not only the two peoples, but also the world economy as a whole, Wu said.

Zoellick said he believes the US and Chinese economies are "fundamentally complementary." He said he hopes for closer trade ties with China.

He also raised some issues of concern to the United States, saying that consultations would be helpful.

(Xinhua News Agency October 23, 2003)