U.S. President George W. Bush meets with Chinese Vice President Hu Jintao at the White House in Washington (XINHUA)

Chinese Vice President Hu Jintao's recent visit to the United States highlighted the need for enhanced cooperation and understanding between the two countries.

Visiting the Ground Zero

Chinese Vice President Hu Jintao said the September 11 catastrophe indicated mat terrorism is an international evil and that the international community should strengthen cooperation to fight the scourge. Hu made these remarks when he visited the site of the World Trade Center in New York on April 29. The Chinese and U.S. governments have cooperated on anti-terrorism, and China is willing to strengthen it on the basis of mutual benefit, Hu said.

Meetings in Washington

Hu met U.S. President George W. Bush and Vice President Dick Cheney in Washington on May 1. They discussed the war on terrorism, as well as issues of agriculture, Taiwan, missile proliferation, trade and human rights.

Bush told Hu he was confident that the countries could resolve their differences over Taiwan and human rights, and was pleased with the state of U.S. relations with China.

Bush expressed his belief that the United States and China can work well together on a wide range of issues. He noted that there may be some disagreements, but they could be addressed productively.

Hu met with U.S. Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld on May 1 in the Pentagon, and the two sides reached a consensus on Sino-U.S. relations, particularly on military exchanges between the two countries. They agreed that measures would be taken to resume and strengthen the exchanges between the two armies.

Rumsfeld said U.S.-China relations are very important and that the two sides have enjoyed sound cooperation in various fields. The United States is willing to restore bilateral military exchanges on the basis of equality and reciprocity, he added.

Hu said that China attaches importance to its relations with the United States. Although China and the United States have some disputes, the two nations share extensive common interests in maintaining peace and stability in the Asia-Pacific region and the world as a whole, he said.

Hu also noted that this year marks the 30th anniversary of former U.S. President Richard Nixon's visit to China and the issuance of the Sino-U.S. Shanghai Communique.

Hu said that military relations are a pivotal part of Sino-U.S. relations, and that China takes a positive attitude toward exchanges and cooperation between the two armies.

Hu met with leaders of the U.S. Congress at Capitol Hill on April 30, and exchanged in-depth views with them on issues concerning China's WTO entry, anti-terrorism, Taiwan and non-proliferation of weapons of mass destruction.

Hu said that although the international situation has undergone profound changes, China and the United States now share more common interests than before, and have every reason to further their cooperation in all areas.

Hu noted that China recognizes the important role the U.S. Congress has played in developing Sino-U.S. ties, and he expressed hope that the congress would become a promoter of bilateral relations.

Taiwan Question important

At a dinner hosted by U.S. Friendship Groups, Hu said his first trip to the United States had left a lasting impression.

"I have been deeply impressed by what I have seen and heard. I have a strong feeling that although China and the United States have a different history and culture, the two peoples are eager to see the relationship grow," Hu said.

However, Hu admitted that the two sides need to acknowledge their differences and discuss them on the basis of mutual respect, to develop constructive and cooperative relations between the two countries. At the same time, they need to focus on common ground and not dwell on differences.

"If any serious complications arise regarding the Taiwan question, it would be difficult for China-U.S. relations to move forward, and may even harm existing ties," Hu added.

"Sale of sophisticated weapons to Taiwan or U.S.-Taiwan official relations is inconsistent with the stated U.S. commitment to the one China principle and the three Sino-U.S. joint communiques. It is our hope that the United States will strictly honor its commitments and play a constructive role in China's peaceful reunification," he noted.