China, U.S. officials discuss Xi's U.S. visit

Chinese State Councilor Yang Jiechi and U.S. National Security Advisor Susan Rice held talks on Friday in preparation for President Xi Jinping's state visit to the United States next month.

"This visit has significant importance to China-U.S. relations and international relations," Yang said, calling on both sides to make thorough preparations to ensure a successful trip.

China-U.S. relations have generally been good in recent years, Yang said, citing cooperation in areas ranging from trade to energy to climate change.

"We have potential to broaden our areas for cooperation and continue building a new type of major-country relationship," he told Rice.

Both sides should respect and accommodate each other's core interests and major concerns, and expand cooperation at bilateral, regional and global levels with "positive interactions" in the Asia-Pacific, according to Yang.

Rice said Barack Obama is looking forward to welcoming Xi in Washington.

"We have seen our bilateral relationship evolve and strengthen in recent months," Rice said, expressing U.S. willingness to cooperate more.

As globally influential countries, China and the United States share vast common interests, Rice said, reiterating that Obama attaches great importance to bilateral ties.

She said the United States supports a prosperous and stable China playing a constructive role in the Asia-Pacific and international affairs.

Both sides acknowledged the need to manage their differences while agreeing to enhance their partnership in development aid, food security, maritime affairs, UN peacekeeping and wildlife protection.

Rice also met with Foreign Minister Wang Yi and head of the Central Financial Work Leading Group Office Liu He. She is in China until Saturday. Endi