Fourth, deepen friendship, be forward-looking, and vigorously promote friendly exchanges between various sectors of the two countries. The development of China-U.S. relations, in the final analysis, hinges on the broad support and active involvement of people from all walks of life in the two countries.

"We should draw up a good plan for our exchanges and cooperation in culture, education, science and technology and other fields, and encourage more dialogue and exchanges between the legislatures, local authorities, business communities, academic institutions, media organizations and other sectors so that more and more people will become supporters of stronger China-U.S. relations and get actively involved in this worthy cause."

"We need to put in extra efforts to boost exchanges between our young people and carry out diverse forms of youth exchange to ensure that the younger generation will carry forward China-U.S. friendship," he said.

Fifth, treat each other with respect and as equals, and handle major, sensitive issues in a proper manner.

"A review of the history of our relations tells us that China-U.S. relations will enjoy smooth and steady growth when the two countries handle well issues involving each other's major interests. Otherwise, our relations will suffer constant trouble or even tension."

"Taiwan and Tibet-related issues concern China's sovereignty and territorial integrity, and they represents China's core interests. They touch upon the national sentiments of the 1.3 billion Chinese. We hope that the U.S. side will honor its commitments and work with us to preserve the hard-won progress of our relations," said Hu.

"China and the United States are different in history, culture, social system and development level. It is thus only normal that we have some disagreements and frictions," Hu noted.

"We should view and handle bilateral relations from a strategic and long-term perspective and with a sense of responsibility to history and to the future. We should prevent our relations from being affected or held back by any individual incident at any particular time. We should increase mutual trust, remove obstacles and work together to build a China-U.S. cooperative partnership based on mutual respect and mutual benefit," said the Chinese president.

Hu arrived in Washington Tuesday for a four-day visit to the United States. The trip is aimed at enhancing the positive, cooperative and comprehensive relationship between China and the United States.

(Xinhua News Agency January 21, 2011)