The United States welcomes the peaceful development of cross-Straits ties and "more positive and stable" cross-Straits relations, said a China-US Joint Statement issued Tuesday.

The statement said that both sides underscored the importance of the Taiwan issue in China-US relations.

The Chinese side emphasized that the Taiwan issue concerns China's sovereignty and territorial integrity, and expressed the hope that the US side will honor its relevant commitments and appreciate and support the Chinese side's position on this issue.

The US side stated that the United States follows its one-China policy and abides by the principles of the three Sino-US joint communiques, said the statement.

The two sides reiterated that "the fundamental principle of respect for each other's sovereignty and territorial integrity is at the core of the three Sino-US joint communiques which guide China-US relations. Neither side supports any attempts by any force to undermine this principle," said the statement.

The two sides agreed that respecting each other's core interests is extremely important to ensure steady progress in China-US relations.

Both countries believe that to nurture and deepen bilateral strategic trust is essential to China-US relations in the new era.

The US side reiterated that it welcomes a strong, prosperous and successful China that plays a greater role in world affairs.

The two sides are of the view that in the 21st century, global challenges are growing, countries are more interdependent, and theneed for peace, development and cooperation is increasing. China and the US have an increasingly broad base of cooperation and share increasingly important common responsibilities on many major issues concerning global stability and prosperity.

The two sides should further strengthen coordination and cooperation, work together to tackle challenges and promote world peace, security and prosperity, said the statement.

The two sides reiterated that they are committed to building a positive, cooperative and comprehensive China-US relationship for the 21st century, and will take concrete actions to steadily build a partnership to address common challenges.

During their discussions, the Chinese side said that it resolutely follows the path of peaceful development and a win-win strategy of opening-up, and is committed to promoting the building of a harmonious world of enduring peace and common prosperity.

The US is committed to working with other countries in addressing the most difficult international problems they face, said the statement.

China welcomes the United States as an Asia-Pacific nation that contributes to the peace, stability and prosperity in the region.

The statement was signed during US President Barack Obama' s visit to China between November 15 and 18.

(Xinhua News Agency November 17, 2009)