Jia Qinglin, chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), said that Chinese President Hu Jintao's visit to the United States in April and the meeting between Hu and President George W. Bush helped open up new opportunities for further development of China-U.S. relations.

    China will join hands with the United States to actively implement the consensus reached by the heads of states, Jia said, adding that the two sides should firmly grasp their common interests and view bilateral relations from a strategic and long-term stand so as to continuously push forward Sino-U.S. relations.

    Jia made the remarks during a meeting with Terrence Lanni, chairman and chief executive officer of MGM Mirage of the United States.

    Jia said the rapid growth of Sino-U.S. trade has brought substantial benefits to the peoples of the two countries. Trade and economic cooperation has become a pillar and driving force of the steady development of bilateral relations.

    Jia said the two sides should abide by the principles of equality, mutual benefits and common development to properly resolve frictions and problems in bilateral trade through dialogues and friendly consultations.

    Lanni agreed with Jia's comment on Sino-U.S. relations and other related issues. He said the two sides should respect and learn from each other and strengthen cooperation. Lanni said MGM Mirage will make due effort to promote cooperation between the United States and China.

    Jia and Lanni also talked about MGM Mirage's investment in Macao and the mainland of China.

    MGM Mirage is a U.S.-based international hotel chain company, with more than 60 percent of its global revenue coming from accommodation, food, entertainment and retail. Enditem