China,US Have No Alternative but Co-op:Chinese Vice FM

China says that President Hu Jintao's up-coming state visit to the United States will create an important opportunity for China-US cooperation. Both sides attach great importance to jointly establishing a new pattern of bilateral relations in the new era. Vice Foreign Minister Cui Tiankai says China and the US have no alternative but cooperation, and closer cooperation should become the theme of relations in the new era.

Addressing a forum held by the Foreign Ministry, Cui Tiankai said the two countries are on track to reach agreement on new cooperation projects in wide-ranging areas including the economy, trade, energy, environment and infrastructure development.

"More importantly, through this visit the two sides will steer the course of our relationship and take it to a new stage, which is consistently defined by cooperation."

Looking ahead after almost a year of ups and downs in bilateral ties, the diplomat said the ship of China-US relations will certainly stay on the course of cooperation and sail through the storms.

Cui Tiankai said the size of China-US economic cooperation has exceeded the pre-crisis level. Bilateral trade in 2010 is likely to top 380 billion US dollars, and is on a steady course towards 400 billion.

He noted that as the two largest economies in the world, the two countries are becoming the main engines of growth in the Asia-Pacific region.

Meanwhile, he said expectations are high on the prospect of China and the US working together to address global challenges.

"China has never agreed to the G2 idea, but China-US cooperation is indeed indispensable to the solution of many global issues. The world looks to China and the US to join hands and make a greater contribution to world peace and common development."

While highlighting cooperation, the diplomat didn't evade the sticking points that hinder bilateral ties, and named the issue surrounding Taiwan as the most important and sensitive one.

Cui Tiankai called for equality, respect, mutual trust and a sensible approach in handling disputes.

Responding to a question on the US presence in the Asia Pacific region, Cui Tiankai said the both countries have their respective interests in the region.

"We are willing to respect the legitimate interest and presence of the US in this region. We are also ready to step up consultation and coordination with the US in regional affairs for an all-win situation among all players in the region."

As for the military alliances between the US and other countries, Cui Tiankai noted that they should not hurt the interests of any third party.

For CRI, I'm Xu Weiyi.