Chinese Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi has met US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton in Washington. They exchanged views on bilateral relations and other issues of mutual concern, and agreed a prosperous Sino-US relationship is key to the development of both countries.
During the meeting with Hillary Clinton, Yang Jiechi also re-affirmed the Chinese government's principle and stance on the Tibet issue. He said China firmly opposes the the resolution on Tibet adopted by the US House of Representatives on Wednesday, calling it gross interference in China's internal affairs.
He stressed that the Tibet issue concerns China's sovereignty and territorial integrity. He urged the US to respect China's stance and concerns, take effective measures to eliminate the influence of the wrong message from the House, and stop interfering China's internal affairs.
Hillary Clinton welcomed Yang Jiechi to the State Department on Wednesday. Three weeks ago, the scene was reversed in Beijing. Clinton said it was a positive sign that Yang came so soon to continue their discussion. She said the US wants to strengthen its relationship with China and promises deeper cooperation.
Yang Jiechi also expressed pleasure at the quick exchange of visits. He said the two sides are meeting to prepare for the two heads of state's meeting in London at April's G20 summit, and to work together to push Sino-US relations forward.
The two top diplomats also reached agreement on the arrangements of the Sino-US strategic and economic dialogues.
(CCTV March 12, 2009)
