Beijing: A top Communist Party official said on Monday that China`s relationship with the US was "sound”, but noted there were some difficulties earlier this year that leaders of the countries have pledged to overcome.
Li Yuanchao, who runs the party`s organisation department that controls senior appointments, made the remarks while receiving a US delegation that includes National Economic Council Director Larry Summers and Deputy National Security Adviser Tom Donilon.
Meetings between officials from the world`s two largest economies are likely to touch on thorny issues including China`s currency policy, a lopsided trade surplus, arms sales to Taiwan and US involvement over territorial disputes in the South China Sea.
"Although there were some disturbances in China-US relations, in April and May after President Obama and President Hu Jintao had two meetings, our relations have gotten back on a sound track," Li said. "The two heads of state have agreed to establish a positive, cooperative and comprehensive relationship for the 21st century."
The US officials are set to meet later Monday with Chinese Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi and China`s top trade official Vice Premier Wang Qishan.
Bureau Report