China's Central Military Commission (CMC) Chairman Jiang Zemin (L) meets with US Assistant to the President for National Security Affairs Condoleezza Rice in Beijing, Capital of China, July 8, 2004. (Xinhua Photo)

   BEIJING, July 8 (Xinhuanet) -- Chairman of China's Central Military Commission Jiang Zemin met here Thursday with US Assistant to the President for National Security Affairs Condoleezza Rice.

   Jiang said he is glad to meet Rice, adding that she looks younger than before.

   Rice, who just arrived in Beijing Thursday noon as guest of Foreign Minister Li Zhaoxing, said she is also happy to meet Jiang again and she brought the greetings from US President George W. Bush to Jiang.

   She said at present, US-China relations are in good shape, expressing the hope that the two sides make joint efforts to further promote the bilateral relations.

   The meeting is still going on at press time.

   It is reported that China is the second leg of Rice's three-nation Asian tour, which includes Japan and the Republic of Korea (ROK) as well. On Wednesday, she held talks with Japanese Prime Minister Koizumi Junichiro and Foreign Minister Kawaguchi Yoriko. They discussed regional security issues.

   Rice is expected to leave Beijing for Seoul Friday noon and then confer ROK leaders on the Korean Peninsula nuclear issue.

   Rice accompanied US President George W. Bush on a working visit to China in February, 2002.  Enditem 

Chinese FM holds talks with US national security advisor

Chinese Foreign Minister Li Zhaoxing (1st L) holds talks with US Assistant to the President for National Security Affairs Condoleezza Rice (1st R) in Beijing, Capital of China, July 8, 2004. (Xinhua Photo)

Chinese Foreign Minister Li Zhaoxing (R) meets with US Assistant to the President for National Security Affairs Condoleezza Rice in Beijing, Capital of China, July 8, 2004. (Xinhua Photo)

    BEIJING, July 8 (Xinhuanet) -- Chinese Foreign Minister Li Zhaoxing held talks with US Assistant to the President for National Security Affairs Condoleezza Rice here Thursday.

    The two sides discussed Sino-US ties and international issues of common concern. Li welcomed Rice, and the advisor transferred greeting from US Secretary of State Colin Powell to Li, sources with the Chinese Foreign Ministry said.

    Rice arrived in the Chinese capital from Tokyo Thursday noon, kicking off her 24-hour visit to China as a guest of Li Zhaoxing.

    During her stay here, Chinese leaders, including President Hu Jintao, Chairman of Central Military Commission Jiang Zemin, and State Councilor Tang Jiaxuan will meet her. The Taiwan issue is believed to be priority.

    It is reported that China is the second leg of Rice's three-nation Asian tour, including Japan and the Republic of Korea (ROK) as well.

    On Wednesday, Rice held talks with Japanese Prime Minister Koizumi Junichiro and Foreign Minister Kawaguchi Yoriko.

    Rice is expected to leave Beijing for Seoul Friday noon and then confer ROK leaders on the Korean Peninsula nuclear issue.

    Rice accompanied US President George W. Bush in a working visit to China in February, 2002. Enditem