BEIJING, Nov. 22 -- US President George W. Bush's three-day visit to Beijing offered him an opportunity to know more about China and the importance of Sino-US ties, Chinese officials said.

    "President Bush's visit has greatly increased mutual understanding, deepened mutual trust and strengthened co-operation between China and the United States," Yang Jiechi, vice-minister of the Chinese Foreign Ministry, told China Daily yesterday.

    "Frequent exchanges of visits between top leaders of the two countries are conducive to expanding common interests and promoting a win-win situation of mutual benefit."

    Bush left Beijing for Ulan Bator yesterday morning to make a brief visit to Mongolia, the last leg of his four-nation Asian tour.

    During his 40-hour stay in Beijing, Bush held talks with President Hu Jintao and met with Premier Wen Jiabao on Sunday.

    After being told by Wen that China needs to create about 25 million job opportunities each year for its 1.3 billion people, Bush said he completely understands it is not easy to manage such a large and populous country as China.

    "We have a complex relationship, and it's a really important relationship," Bush said, according to the transcript posted on the website of the White House.

    "I mean China is a big, growing, strong country. And it's very important for me to maintain a good working relationship with the leadership here."

    Yang revealed that both sides have already started preparations for President Hu's scheduled visit to the United States early next year.

    
(Sjource: China Daily)