U.S.-China relationship most complex, important: ambassador

BEIJING, Feb. 2 (Xinhua) -- The U.S.-China relationship was the most complex and important relationship in the world, U.S. Ambassador to China Jon Huntsman said on Tuesday.

"It is the most complex and important relationship in the world today with many facets of relationship and many points of connection between the United States and China," Huntsman told a press briefing on Tuesday.

Reviewing the bilateral ties in the first year of Obama's presidency, Huntsman said, "We spent the last year in a relationship building bridges, getting to know each other, ensuring the new administration was able to frame our relationship going forward with China in ways meaningful to both countries."

Looking to the new year, Huntsman said, "I would argue that we are putting the relationship to the test in a positive sense because I do believe the last many years have built a lot of solid trust, a lot of collaboration, a lot of people exchanges, enormous trade and investment."

"Despite our differences, we will stay focused on the big picture between the United States and China," he said.

For a trade relationship with an annual volume of 400 billion U.S.dollars, "the issue isn't that we don't have trade challenges; it is how we resolve them," Huntsman said.

Huntsman said this year will see trade increases and a few more challenges between both countries.

"One-China policy and three joint communiques have always been part of our relationship going all the way," Huntsman said.

Huntsman also defended U.S. latest plan to sell a nearly 6.4 billion-U.S.-dollar package of arms to Taiwan, which included Patriot missiles, Black Hawk helicopters and minesweepers.

China expressed strong indignation and resolute opposition to the sale, announcing the suspension of bilateral military programs and security talks.