China, US emphasize dialogue, cooperation

SANYA, Hainan - State Councilor Dai Bingguo and visiting United States Secretary of State Hillary Clinton shared a positive evaluation of recent Sino-US relations in an unofficial meeting on Saturday, stressing the two sides will continue to seriously implement the consensus reached by the two state leaders, the Foreign Ministry said in a statement.

The two pledged to enhance dialogue, mutual trust and cooperation, properly handle differences and sensitive issues on the basis of mutual respect, while making concerted efforts to contribute to a positive, cooperative and comprehensive China-US relationship in the 21st century, the statement said.

Both sides agreed that President Hu Jintao's scheduled visit to the US early next year is of great significance to the development of bilateral ties, and that Beijing and Washington will maintain close contact in advance of the visit to ensure its success.