China, US share interests more than differences: Vice-Premier Wang

Washington, May 10 (ANI): China and the United States have far more shared interests than differences and nothing can hold back the momentum of cooperation, said China's Vice-Premier Wang Qishan.

"With vision and foresight, the two presidents opened a new page in China-US relations," China Daily quoted Wang, as saying.

He made the remark at the opening of the third round of the China-US Strategic and Economic Dialogue (S andED) in Washington.

The Chinese team is led by Wang and State Councilor Dai Bingguo. US Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner and Secretary of State Hillary Clinton lead the US team.

Geithner said that sound China-US relations would benefit not only the two countries, but also the world economy.

"Our ability to work together is important to the overall health and stability of the global economy. Thanks in no small part to the actions of the US and China, we have put out the worst of the financial fires and the world economy is growing again," said Geithner.

Clinton said the annual talks aim to build a stronger relationship between the countries.

"We need to better understand each other, build trust to work to avoid misunderstanding and miscalculation," she said.

Dai made an evocative speech highlighting that cooperation between the two countries will benefit future generations.

"I am attending the meeting to implement the consensus of our presidents for the achievement of one lofty goal, to make our two countries and people forever good friends and good partners, and to enable our children and children's children to live in peace and happiness. Could we ever let them down? The answer is a definite no," he said.

The focus will be on trade, investment and finance during the two-day talks, as well as foreign policy. Both sides hope to build on the progress made during President Hu Jintao's state visit to Washington in January. (ANI)