CRI听力:Kerry Visits China to Reaffirm Sino-US Relations

Ahead of his arrival, the U.S. State Department says Kerry's visit is tasked with reaffirming the U.S.'s commitment to building a "positive, cooperative and comprehensive relationship with China."

China's Foreign Ministry has also released a new statement, hailing the importance of China-US relationships.

Foreign Ministry spokesperson Hua Chunying.

"Generally speaking, China-US relations are on a steady growth. The two sides maintain close communication and cooperation at different levels to press ahead with the building of the new model of major-country relations. The sound and steady development of China-US relations is in the interests of both countries and conducive to safeguarding and promoting peace, stability and prosperity of the Asia-Pacific."

Hua Chunying has also reiterated China's stance concerning issues over the Diaoyu Islands and the South China sea.

She says as an unconcerned party the Unites States should remain neutral, be discreet in word and deed, and do more to promote peace and stability in the Asia-Pacific region.

Kerry is due to talk with China's Foreign Minister Wang Yi later on in the capital.

The two sides will also discuss cooperation on issues of shared interest, including the Korean Peninsula situation, climate change, and clean energy.

He will then fly to Indonesia and the United Arab Emirates.

Kerry's visit has been widely seen as a prelude to President Obama's upcoming Asian tour in April, which will see him stopping in Japan, South Korea, Malaysia and the Philippines.

Though not officially confirmed, Obama is also likely to attend the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit in Beijing later this year.

For CRI I'm Jordan Lee.