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

Source: Xinhua | 02-21-2009 11:07

BEIJING, February 20 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi met U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton Saturday morning, both pledging to upgrade bilateral ties in dealing with common challenges.

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

"As we start the new administration of President Obama, we want to deepen and broaden our relationship," said Clinton who arrived here Friday night after her tour to Indonesia, the Republic of Korea, and Japan.

This marked the beginning of face-to-face diplomacy between the two countries since the Obama administration took office last month.

Clinton said she believes the U.S. and China have established a solid foundation for the relationship, but there is "much more to be done".

 
Yang said Chinese President Hu Jintao has exchanged views with his U.S. counterpart Barack Obama by phone and other means after he took office, reaching consensus on further promoting Sino-U.S. relations in the new era.

Yang expressed appreciation for the long-time contribution by Clinton to enhancing Sino-U.S. relations.

"I expect to establish a good working relationship with you for the promotion of exchanges and cooperation between our two countries", Yang said.