Clinton: U.S. to"deepen and broaden relationship" with China

He said Chinese government has valued relations with the United States, and as the largest developing country and the largest developed one, China and the United States should and are able to establish a "long-term, stable, healthy and developing relations."

Chinese Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi (2nd L) holds talks with visiting U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton (2nd R) in Beijing, China, Feb. 21, 2009. Hillary Clinton arrived in Beijing on Friday evening, kicking off her  visit to China.(Xinhua Photo)

Entering 21st century in particular, the two countries share more common interests and have a broader foundation for cooperation while confronting the pressing global challenges, Yang said.

"The current situation calls upon us to strengthen dialogue and exchanges, increase mutual trust and cooperation, and to upgrade the bilateral ties to a new height," Yang said.

Clinton was scheduled to meet with Chinese President Hu Jintao, Premier Wen Jiabao and State Councilor Dai Bingguo later Saturday.

She will also visit a clean thermal power plant built with U.S. and Chinese technology, which Clinton hailed as "an example of the kind of job-creating, bilateral, public-private collaboration that we need so much more of."

Editor:Zhang Pengfei