Chinese Vice Premier Li Keqiang Monday urged the United States to respect China's core interests and major concerns.

Li told visiting former U.S. secretary of state Henry Kissinger that he hoped the United States would safeguard the stable growth of China-U.S. ties.

"The severe disturbance that recently occurred in bilateral relations is not in accordance with the interests of both countries," Li said, refering to Washington's announcement of weapon sales to Taiwan, President Barack Obama's meeting with the Dalai Lama, and trade disputes between the two countries.

A sound China-U.S. relationship was in the fundamental interests of both nations and peoples, and was also conducive to peace, stability and development of the Asia-Pacific region and the world at large, Li said.

He hoped that the United States would work with China to treat bilateral ties from a strategic height and long-term perspective, and to promote ties towards active, comprehensive and cooperative orientation.

Li praised the contribution made by the 86-year-old former U.S. diplomat to advancing the China-U.S. cooperation, hoping he would continue his efforts for the growth of bilateral relations.

Kissinger said China's major concerns should gain respect.

During a speech earlier Monday, Kissinger expressed his optimism for the development of China-U.S. ties despite difficulties.

Past frictions between the two countries had always been properly handled, Kissinger said.

Also on Monday, Chinese State Councilor Dai Bingguo met with Kissinger.

Kissinger served as the top U.S. diplomat during the presidencies of Richard Nixon and Gerald Ford in 1970s. He paid the visit to China at the invitation of the Chinese People's Institute of Foreign Affairs.

(Xinhua News Agency March 15, 2010)