Chinese President Hu Jintao meets with visiting U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing

On the afternoon of February 21, 2009, Chinese President Hu Jintao met with U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton at the Great Hall of the People.

During the meeting, Hu said both China and the Untied States are influential countries in the world. The two countries share broad common interest and important responsibility on major issues concerning world peace and development. Hu said in the 21st century, the China-U.S. relations were among the most important bilateral relations in the world. "Now it is more important than anytime in the past to deepen and develop China-U.S. relations amid the spreading financial crisis and increasing global challenges," said Hu. The Chinese government has always dealt with China-U.S. relations from a strategic and long-term perspective and is ready to work with the U.S. side to seize the opportunity and meet the challenges together in a bid to push forward bilateral ties, he added.

Hu extended a warm invitation and welcome for President Obama to visit China soon, saying that he looked forward to exchanging in-depth views with his U.S. counterpart on bilateral ties and issues of common concern. He also looked forward to meeting with President Obama at a G20 summit in London in early April. Hu said China is ready to strengthen exchanges and cooperation with the United States on economy, trade, counter-terrorism, law enforcement, science and education, culture, public health, energy and environmental protection and reinforce consultation and coordination on major international and regional issues. Hu proposed both countries work closely to address international financial crisis and tackle climate change and other global challenges so as to seek a sound and smooth growth of bilateral ties.

Clinton told Hu both sides ushered in "a new era" of bilateral relations characterized by "positive cooperation." Both sides share broad common interest in a wide range of areas and global issues, she said, expressing her country's willingness to further cooperation with China in all fields.

Chinese Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi and other officials attended the meeting.