Washington - Vice-President Xi Jinping urged the United States to respect interests and concerns of China and other countries in the Asia-Pacific region while saying that China welcomes a constructive role by the US.

Addressing a reception luncheon in a principal policy speech Wednesday, Xi said “as the interests of China and the United States converge most closely in the Asia Pacific than in anywhere else, this region should naturally become an important area where China and the United States engage in positive interactions and pursue mutually beneficial cooperation”.

“China welcomes a constructive role by the United States in promoting peace, stability and prosperity in the Asia-Pacific”, said Xi.

Yet Xi said “at the same time, we hope the United States will respect the interests and concerns of China and other countries in this region.”

Xi made the remarks while addressing hundreds of guests devoted to promoting China-US ties.