BEIJING, July 3 (Xinhua) -- Former U.S. Secretary of Labor Elaine L. Chao, the first Chinese-American serving in the U.S. cabinet, now eyes a new task: bridging gaps between the United States and China.

Former U.S. Secretary of Labor Elaine L. Chao delivers a speech in Beijing, capital of China, July 3, 2009. (Xinhua/Xing Guangli) Photo Gallery>>>

    "I do hope, as I have stepped down now, I will continue to work on China-U.S relationships. Obviously this is a vital relationship for both countries," said Chao in an exclusive interview with Xinhua in Beijing on Friday.

    Chao served as U.S. Secretary of Labor in the cabinet of President George W. Bush from 2001 to 2009. Chao was the only cabinet member to serve under George W. Bush for his entire 8-yearadministration.

    She is in Beijing to attend the Global Think Tank Summit, which opened on Thursday evening to discuss remedies for the global financial crisis and the future development of the world economy.

    Chao said the relationship between China and the United States, the world's largest developing country and largest developed country, must move forward, but there are difficulties "because Chinese and American philosophical thinking are so different and cultural gaps are quite large."

    "There's no other choice but trying to build better relationship," said Chao, stressing that her Chinese cultural background could help make up for the misunderstandings between the two countries.

    "I can see things from American point of view and can also see things from Chinese point of view. That can help bridge both sides so we can understand each other," Chao said.

    With regard to global financial crisis, Chao said that "better understanding, better discussion, more open communication between our countries on how to address the crisis is very helpful".

    Recalling that bilateral relations have "blossomed and flourished" during the Bush administration, Chao also showed optimism over President Barack Obama's administration in dealing with bilateral ties.

    "As the president is still compiling a political Asian team, we hope that when he gets the Asian team fully in place, they will engage in a very productive mode in dealing with China," she said.

    The Obama's cabinet now has three Asian American members, more than any previous cabinet: Commerce Secretary Gary Locke, Energy Secretary Steven Chu and Veteran Affairs Secretary Eric Shinseki. Locke and Chu are Chinese Americans.

    "The American society is becoming more diverse and the Asian Americans, the fast-growing minority in America, are taking part in every aspect of the society," said Chao.

    Chao urged the Chinese students studying in the United States not to give up in the face of difficulties as a "bright future" is just around the corner.