BEIJING, Sept. 1 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi talked with U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice on the phone Saturday over bilateral ties and an upcoming meeting of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum.

    Yang and Rice shared views on China-U.S. relations, which they said have maintained a good momentum for steady development.

    Chinese President Hu Jintao will meet his U.S. counterpart George W. Bush on the sidelines of the 15th APEC economic leaders' informal meeting, slated for Sept. 3-9 in Sydney, Australia.

    The anticipated meeting between the two heads of state will be of great significance to boosting the development of ties between China and the United States, Yang and Rice agreed.

    They suggested that both sides make preparations to assure success of the meeting.

    The two foreign ministers also exchanged views on some other international and regional issues.