Chinese FM meets with US secretary of state

After her visit to Sichuan, Rice flew to Beijing where she met with Chinese foreign minister Yang Jiechi. Both ministers pledged to promote constructive bilateral relations in the future.

During the meeting on Sunday, Yang Jiechi said crucial opportunities and challenges lie ahead for China and the US. He said the two countries need to follow the trend of constructive cooperation, strengthen dialogue and exchanges with a strategic and long-term perspective, and deal with sensitive issues of mutual concern.

Rice said constructive relations between the two countries have a solid base, and play an important role in regional and international peace and stability.

She said the US is willing to enhance dialogue and cooperation with China to deal with global issues and challenges.

The two sides agreed to work together to ensure meetings between their respective state leaders at the G8 summit next month in Japan are productive.

Yang expounded on the Chinese government's position on Taiwan. He said China hopes the US honors its commitments to adhere to the one-China policy, abide by the three Sino-U.S. joint communiques and oppose "Taiwan independence".