Chinese Vice Premier Wang Qishan addresses a welcome banquet hosted by the United States Financial Services Forum, the American Bankers' Association and the Asia Society, in New York on June 19, 2008. (Xinhua/Yao Dawei) Photo Gallery>>>

    NEW YORK, June 20 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Vice Premier Wang Qishan on Thursday underlined the importance of his country's constructive and cooperative relationship with the United States, saying ties can develop further as long as both sides settle differences through dialogue.

    China and the U.S. have developed closer links in trade, investment and other areas, and have cooperated more closely in safeguarding regional stability and promoting world peace and development, Wang told a group of U.S. business and financial leaders at a welcome banquet hosted by the Financial Services Forum, the American Bankers' Association and the Asia Society.

    With economic globalization deepening, it is important to strengthen the constructive and cooperative ties between China and the U.S., said Wang, adding that the ties will continue to move forward as long as both sides are ready to settle differences through talks.

    On protection of intellectual property rights (IPR), Wang said China has made great headway in this regard in recent years, with better legislation and enforcement of IPR protection.

    Incidentally, China unveiled an Outline of National Intellectual Property Rights on June 10.

    Problems do exist in IPR protection in China, and U.S. restrictions on export of high technology to China on grounds of IPR protection is understandable to a certain extent, Wang said.

    But both sides will miss a golden opportunity for development, and not contribute to narrowing China's trade surplus with the U.S. and boosting bilateral economic ties if they begin to trade in high technology only when China solves all IPR problems, instead of fighting IPR infringements as they trade, the Chinese vice premier said.

    On the opening up of China's financial market, Wang said China's policy and resolve to further open the sector will not change.