China, U.S. looking forward to constructive partnership

Senior diplomats of China and the United States on Saturday pledged to build on the bilateral relations of today and narrow differences between the world's two largest economies through dialogues.

"Not all the people in the world are looking forward to a better Sino-American relations, but I believe Secretary of State came here for communication and cooperation instead of quarrel and confrontation," said Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi while meeting with visiting U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry.

The two powers have far more common interests than differences, Wang said, urging both sides to act in the spirit of mutual respect, seek common ground while shelving differences and address sensitive issues in a constructive manner.

The attitude toward promoting the Sino-U.S. partnership was echoed by Kerry, who is on his fifth visit to China as Secretary of State.

"It's only by talking through differences that you can actually work to narrow them over time and that is the mark of an effective relationship," Kerry said. "As two of the world's major powers and largest economies, we have a profound opportunity to set a constructive course and wide range of issues that will affect everybody across the planet."

Kerry's trip is intended to prepare for the annual China-U.S. economic and strategic talks scheduled for June in the United States and Chinese President Xi Jinping's visit to Washington in September.

"The presidential visit is the top priority in this year's Sino-U.S. relations," said Wang at a joint press conference with Kerry, adding the two sides have exchanged views concerning the arrangement of events, the agenda items and the outcome of the visit.

During the meeting, the two sides had "in-depth" talks on a wide range of topics, ranging from nuclear talks with Iran and North Korea to the issue of South China Sea.

Wang reaffirmed China's stand on South China Sea. "The determination of the Chinese side to safeguard our own sovereignty and territorial integrity is as firm as a rock and it is unshakable," he said.

"China's development on some of the islands and reefs in Nansha is something fully within the scope of China's sovereignty," Wang added.

With regard to deepening trade cooperation, China urged the United States to speed up progress on a bilateral investment treaty and loosen restrictions on high-tech exports as well.

The two sides also agreed to maintain military contact and make progress in cooperation of hunting for fugitives. Endi