Differences "normal," mutual respect essential in Sino-U.S. ties: President Hu

BEIJING, Nov. 17 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Hu Jintao said here on Tuesday that the key to Sino-U.S. relations was to mutually respect and accomodate each other's core interests and major concerns while differences from different national conditions were normal.

"The China-U.S. relations are very important. Maintaining and promoting such ties is a shared responsibility of both sides," Hu told reporters here after meeting visiting U.S. President Barack Obama.

China is ready to work together with the United States to push forward the continuous, healthy and stable development of Sino-U.S. relations to better serve the interests of the two peoples and the people around the world, said the Chinese leader.

Hu said that the two sides have reaffirmed the "cardinal principle" of "mutually respecting national sovereignty and territorial integrity" and voiced opposition to any attempt by any force that violates this principle.

He said that China appreciates President Obama's support for the one-China policy and the three Sino-U.S. joint communiques, and his respect for China's national sovereignty and territorial integrity on the Taiwan issue and other matters.

"We have both agreed to conduct dialogues and exchanges on issues including human rights and religion, in the spirit of equality, mutual respect and non-interference in each other's internal affairs, so as to boost understanding, mitigate differences and broaden consensus," Hu said.