CRI听力: Chinese Ambassador on US President's Visit to China

Chinese ambassador to the US Zhou Wenzhong says Sino-US relations have got off to a good start since the Obama administration took office in January and have continued this momentum throughout the year.

Chinese Presdient Hu Jintao and US President Barack Obama had their first meeting in April in London during the G20 London Summit, where they agreed to work together to build a positive, cooperative and comprehensive relationship in the 21st century. The ambassador expects the forthcoming meeting between the two leaders to put more flesh on the framework agreement.

"During President Obama's visit to China, the two heads of state will hold talks on how to advance this positive, cooperative and comprehensive relationship. What they agreed in April is of great significance, pointing the direction of China-US relations. This time, both sides will work out new strategic content of this framework. By this, I mean more concrete guidelines could be made and plans for cooperation drafted. I think there will be agreement coming out of the meetings. I believe the visit will have a very important and positive impact in promoting China-US relations in this new era."(www.hXen.com)

While hailing the extensive cooperation in bilateral, region and international issues, the Chinese ambassador does not shy from discussing the differences between the two countries. He says with different political systems and ideologies, it is natural for the two countries to have differences. The key is to establish a mechanism to address issues through dialogue and cooperation. For instance, with regard to the recent trade spat between the two sides, Zhou Wenzhong hopes that the disputes can be resolved through dialogue.

"Since President Obama came into office, there have been 10 cases of anti-dumping and anti-subsidy investigations into products imported from China. We see this as a great pity. In particular, the US government has for the first time decided to impose punitive tariffs on all car and light truck tires from China for three years. I hope the new government could take a clearer position in fighting against trade protectionism and ensuring free trade."

The ambassador says he believes that through joint effort, the US president's visit to China will greatly strengthen exchange and cooperation between the two countries in all fields, enhance mutual understanding and trust, and inject new vigour to this relationship, which is one of the most important and dynamic bilateral relationships in the world.

Shanshan, CRI news, Washington.