China's top political advisor Jia Qinglin met with a group of U.S. trade union leaders Tuesday, saying the Chinese government will support exchanges between the two countries' unions.(Xinhua Photo)

    BEIJING, May 22 (Xinhua) -- China's top political adviser Jia Qinglin met with a group of U.S. trade union leaders Tuesday, saying the Chinese government will support exchanges between the two countries' unions.

    Jia told the delegation, headed by Change to Win president Anna Burger, that the Communist Party of China (CPC) and the government would support cooperation between the two countries' unions, and discuss the role of trade unions in economic globalization.

    The relationship between trade unions was an important part of the China-U.S. relations, and would benefit its development, Jia said.

    Burger said although there were differences in political systems and ideologies, the two countries' unions faced the same mission of maintaining workers' rights.

    She hoped the visit would become the important first step to develop relations between the two countries' trade unions, and the two sides could develop exchanges and cooperation.

    The U.S. delegation kicked off their China tour on Friday. Change to Win is a coalition of U.S. unions representing six million workers.

    Jia, chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), China's top advisory body, also discussed with the guests on the development of China-U.S. relations.

    He said a stable and sound China-U.S. relationship was in the interests of their peoples, and would promote the peace, prosperity and stability in Asia-Pacific region and the world.

    China would stick to the peaceful way of development, and work with all countries, including the United States, to jointly build a harmonious world featuring lasting peace and common prosperity, Jia said.