Chinese state councilor calls for further development of positive China-U.S. tie

WASHINGTON, July 27 (Xinhua) -- Chinese State Councilor Dai Bingguo said here on Monday that the discussion with U.S. State Secretary Hillary Clinton was "a good beginning" for the China-U.S. strategic and economic dialogue, calling on both sides to cherish and further develop their positive ties.

Chinese State Councilor Dai Bingguo delivers a speech during the  opening ceremony of the China-U.S. Strategic and Economic Dialogue  (S&ED) in Washington, the United States, July 27, 2009.  (Xinhua/Zhang Yan)

At a joint news briefing with Clinton on Monday afternoon, Dai said that the China-U.S. relations, forged through the efforts by the older generations of leaders of both countries over three decades, have achieved great progress.

"Both sides should fully cherish, maintain and develop the relations," Dai said.

He said he and Clinton discussed bilateral ties and issues of common concern.

For her part, Clinton said she had "a very good discussion" with Dai.