US, Chinese vice presidents discuss relations

China National News (IANS) Tuesday 7th February, 2012

US Vice President Joe Biden discussed bilateral ties with his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping during a telephone conversation Tuesday.

Xi, who is scheduled to pay an official visit to the US next week, said that the China-US relations have maintained their momentum for steady, positive development over the years.

He said his trip was aimed at implementing an important consensus reached by the presidents of the two countries to promote the establishment of a China-US cooperative partnership on the basis of mutual respect and reciprocity, Xinhua reported.

The Chinese vice president said he was looking forward to conducting extensive discussions with US officials on bilateral relations.

He said he also hoped to make contact with people from various walks of life in the US in a bid to promote mutual understanding and friendship between the two countries.

Biden said both US President Barack Obama and himself attached great importance to Xi's visit and expected that the two sides can have in-depth talks on other issues of common concern.

The US-China relationship is of great significance not only to the two countries, but also to world peace and development, Biden said.