BEIJING, Jan. 1 -- China and the United States' relationship has demonstrated a trend of stable development in 2005, Chinese Ambassador to the United States Zhou Wenzhong said on Saturday.

    Chinese President Hu Jintao and his US counterpart George W. Bush met several times in 2005 and the two leaders exchanged views on bilateral relations as well as major international and regional issues of common concern, Zhou said in an exclusive interview with Xinhua.

    In particular, the two leaders agreed at their meetings in New York in September and during Bush's China visit in November to strengthen mutual understanding, broaden consensus, enhance mutual trust and push forward the all-round development of the Sino-US constructive relationship of co-operation in the 21st century, he said.

    Government departments of the two countries are implementing the consensus reached by the two leaders, and the two sides have had effective dialogues, consultation and co-operation in a wide range of issues, such as economy and trade, anti-terrorism, law enforcement, nuclear non-proliferation and the nuclear issue on the Korean Peninsula, said Zhou in the interview.

    The two sides held candid, in-depth and constructive discussions on the international situation, bilateral relations and other issues of common concern during the two rounds of strategic dialogues in 2005, the ambassador noted.

    Zhou said that exchanges between legislatures of the two countries were deepened and headway was made on bilateral military relations , which contributed to the overall development of the Sino-US constructive relationship of co-operation.

    Zhou said on handling the Taiwan question properly was key to a stable development of the China-US relationship.

    Although there are signs of relaxation and positive elements in the current cross-Straits relations, said Zhou, the authorities in Taiwan still refuse to recognize the one-China principle and the Taiwan secessionist forces have continued their separatist activities.

    "We appreciate the reaffirmation made by President Bush and his administration that the United States adheres to the one-China policy, abides by the three Sino-US joint communiques and opposes 'Taiwan independence,'" Zhou said.

    He added China hopes that the United States strictly sticks to the commitments it has made to China and works with China to oppose and contain the "Taiwan independence" so as to safeguard peace and stability across the Taiwan Straits.

    Looking forward to 2006, Zhou saw broad space for the continuous development of the Sino-US relationship, though he also cautioned that there would be a few challenges ahead.

    President Hu had accepted an invitation from Bush during his China visit in November to visit the United States as soon as possible, and a visit by the Chinese leader to the United States is of great importance and will strengthen bilateral exchanges, confidence-building and co-operation between the two nations, said the ambassador. Enditem

(Source: China Daily/Agencies)