Top leaders confer with visiting Cheney
(Xinhua)
Updated: 2004-04-14 13:51

Top Chinese leaders met with separately visiting US Vice President Dick Cheney April 14 in Beijing, and President Hu Jintao said he wished to meet US President George W. Bush in the second half this year.

President Hu Jintao holds talks with US VP Dick Cheney in the Diaoyutai State Guesthouse April 14, 2004. [newsphoto]

Recalling his visit to the United States two years ago, Hu expressed his appreciation to Cheney for his warm hospitality during his stay. This visit left deep impression in his mind and was unforgettable till now, said Hu.

Cheney also remembers well of Hu's visit to the United States. He extended personal greetings to Hu from President Bush, who is looking forward to meeting Hu in the near future.

Chairman of Central Military Commission Jiang Zemin (R) holds talks with US Vice President Dick Cheney April 14, 2004. [Reuters]

Hu also expressed that he wished to meet Bush in the latter half of this year, saying the Sino-US relations have seen new development since his last visit to the United States. Leaders of the two sides maintained frequent contact, and exchanged views on issues of common concern.

Jiang Zemin, chairman of the Central Military Commission also met with Cheney. China is willing to exert the
utmost sincerity and the utmost efforts to realize peaceful
reunification, and the Sino-US ties will have more room for
development if the Taiwan issue is well handled, Jiang said.

He said that the overall development of Sino-US ties is good, and China and the United States are continuously making progress in coordination and cooperation in many sectors and exchanges between the two armies are increasing despite of some differences existing between the two countries.

Cheney said the current US-China relations are very good despite some existing issues. However, both sides can continue making concerted efforts and strengthening their cooperation.

Premier Wen Jiabao grets U.S. Vice President Dick Cheney in Beijing April 14, 2004. [Reuters]

While meeting with Cheney, Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao recalled his visit to the United States four months ago, calling it a fruitful visit.

He said Cheney will be able to witness China's development in China's biggest business hub Shanghai as Cheney is scheduled to visit the city during this China tour.

Cheney, who arrived in Beijing Tuesday afternoon on a three-day working visit to China as guest of Chinese Vice President Zeng Qinghong, said he still remembers Wen's visit.

He said his first visit to China was in 1975 and it will be his first visit to Shanghai during this China tour, noting that China has taken on a new look.

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