We have been closely following measures taken by the U.S. Government to stabilize financial markets and stimulate economic recovery. We sincerely hope these measures will achieve the desired results and restore the U.S. economy to growth soon. This is in the interests of the United States, China and the rest of the world.

Since the outbreak of the financial crisis, China and the United States have engaged in close and effective communication and coordination, and played an important part in international efforts to tackle the crisis. China is ready to strengthen macroeconomic policy dialogue with the United States, work with you to oppose protectionism, and make fresh contributions to the stability of international financial markets and growth of the world economy. We also want to work with the United States and other countries for positive outcomes at the London G20 summit on the basis of the achievements of the Washington summit. In times of hardship, it is all the more important for China and the United States to broaden and deepen bilateral trade and economic cooperation, properly handle possible frictions and differences, and forge a stronger bond to weather the crisis.

China and the United States share important common interests with respect to climate change, energy and the environment. Energy security, clean energy, energy conservation and pollution reduction feature prominently in our respective national development strategies. China stands ready to strengthen dialogue and consultation with the United States, pursue practical cooperation in energy conservation, new energy and renewable energy, and work with other parties under the principle of "common but differentiated responsibilities" to ensure the success of the Copenhagen conference scheduled for the end of the year.

Our two countries should broaden bilateral cooperation in such fields as counterterrorism, nonproliferation, military-to-military relations, science and technology, culture and health. We should also strengthen coordination and cooperation on the Korean nuclear issue, the Iranian nuclear issue and other regional and international issues.

China-U.S. coordination and cooperation on the Korean nuclear issue has become a highlight in our bilateral relations. The six-party talks are now at a critical juncture. China will work with the relevant parties to maintain patience, demonstrate flexibility and overcome difficulties. We will move the process forward by building on past progress, and strive for early denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula and enduring peace and stability in Northeast Asia.

To advance China-U.S. relations in the new era, we should respect and accommodate each other's core interests and make every effort to minimize potential disruption and damage to our relations.

The question of Taiwan concerns China's sovereignty and territorial integrity and represents China's core interests. Relations across the Taiwan Straits have been improving and have embarked on the track of peaceful development. There have been frequent people-to-people contacts, close economic links and dynamic cultural exchanges between the two sides of the Straits. We will continue to promote cross-Straits dialogue and exchanges under the principles of establishing mutual trust, laying aside disputes, seeking consensus while shelving differences and jointly creating a win-win situation, and bring about new progress in the peaceful development of cross-Straits relations.

Here I want to stress that no matter how the situation across the Taiwan Straits may evolve, we will never waver in our commitment to the one-China principle and will never compromise our opposition to "Taiwan independence," "two Chinas" or "one China, one Taiwan." We hope that the U.S. side will honor its commitments, prudently and properly handle Taiwan-related issues, and take concrete action to support the peaceful development of cross-Straits relations.

Of equal sensitivity are issues related to Tibet. Tibet is an inalienable part of China's territory and Tibetan affairs are exclusively China's internal affairs. Since the launch of democratic reform 50 years ago, Tibet has made remarkable progress. Its economy has registered rapid growth, various undertakings have advanced by leaps and bounds, the average life expectancy has almost doubled and people's living standards have improved steadily. The fine traditional culture of Tibet has been well preserved, and the people there enjoy all rights prescribed by law. I hope that people from various sectors in the United States will appreciate these facts, and understand and respect the Chinese people's position of upholding state sovereignty and territorial integrity.

To advance China-U.S. relations in the new era, we should promote dialogue and exchanges between the people of the two countries and build stronger public support for our relations.

We have not forgotten that the ice in China-U.S. relations began to thaw with the mutual visits of our ping-pong teams. The tremendous progress made in our relations over the last 30 years would not have been possible without the active involvement and support of people from all walks of life in both countries.

We should think creatively and continue to promote dialogue and exchanges between our legislatures, academic and business communities and media organizations. We should also step up exchanges at the local level. Through such efforts, we will mobilize more people to support and contribute to the growth of China-U.S. relations. It is of particular importance to look ahead to the future and vigorously promote and support exchanges and cooperation between young people, so that the cause of China-U.S. friendship will endure and further prosper.

China and the United States should build sustained, sound and stable relations, as this not only serves the fundamental interests of the two countries and peoples, but also contributes to world peace, stability and development. The development of China-

U.S. relations has proven time and again that China and the United States are partners for cooperation, not adversaries or enemies. Cooperation brings benefits to both countries, while confrontation hurts both sides. Some Americans often say, "It is through cooperation, rather than conflict, that your greatest successes will be derived." So let us join hands and work together for a splendid future for China-U.S. relations.