U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and visiting Chinese Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi have hailed bilateral ties between the two countries. Yang is in the U.S. ahead of a state visit to Washington by Chinese President Hu Jintao later this month.

Yang said the relationship between the two countries is on the right track, while Clinton spoke about President Hu's upcoming visit.

"We are preparing diligently for the upcoming state visit by President Hu Jintao," Clinton said. "It is very much anticipated and looked forward to, and both the minister and I feel a great sense of responsibility to ensure that it continues the positive, cooperative, comprehensive relationship between our two countries."

"We are confronted with common challenges and we are enjoying common opportunities," Yang said. "It is in the best interests of China, the United States and the world for us to continue to work together so that our relationship will bring more benefits."

(CNTV.cn January 6, 2011)