U.S., China can address disputes in constructive way: U.S. official

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BEIJING, April 9 (Xinhua) -- Visiting U.S. Under Secretary of State Robert D. Hormats said here Friday he is very optimistic the United States and China could address problems in a constructive way.

He made the remarks when delivering a speech at the China Institute of Contemporary International Relations. Hormats, who once served as a senior economics advisor to Dr. Henry Kissinger, has visited China many times.

He hailed the U.S.-China relationship that has witnessed "remarkable development" since the two countries forged diplomatic ties.

But that does not mean there are no differences or competition between the United States and China, he added.

Still, when looking back, the differences the two countries have been resolved in a constructive way, he said.

The two countries' leaders understand they need to get along, he said.

Hormats has made the visit to China amid calls in the United States for China to let its currency, the yuan, appreciate in value against the dollar.

He said the United States commends China for its efforts to undertake rebalancing in China, and "we think China had made great progress."

"We do not regard the competition with China as a zero-sum game," Hormats said, adding that strong growth in China helps the United States.

The U.S.-China relationship is extremely important, and the two countries have a great opportunity now to do things in their common interests, he said.

At the upcoming Nuclear Security Summit in Washington, Chinese President Hu Jintao and U.S. President Barack Obama will meet while the second China-U.S. Strategic and Economic Dialogue will take place in May.

Hormats also said the two countries need to enhance collaboration within the global architecture, and expand cooperation in areas such as clean energy, innovation and economic rebalancing.

Hormats will also attend the annual meeting of the Boao Forum for Asia (BFA) in China's southernmost Hainan Province.