BEIJING - Chinese Vice-Premier He Lifeng on Monday expressed the hope that the US side will work with China to promote the stable, sound and sustainable development of bilateral economic and trade ties.

When meeting with a US congressional delegation led by Representative Adam Smith in Beijing, He said phone talks between the Chinese and US heads of state last week had provided strategic guidance for the stable development of bilateral ties in the next stage.

As the two countries have broad space for cooperation and extensive common interests, it is hoped that the US side will engage in candid communication with China, and jointly build up mutual trust and dispel misgivings by following the principles of mutual respect, peaceful coexistence and win-win cooperation, He said.

He called on members of the US Congress to play a positive role in facilitating the shared development of both countries through opening up communication channels and helping enhance dialogues. 

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Also on Monday, Chinese Defense Minister Dong Jun met with the US delegation.

Dong urged the visiting US Congress members to remove disruptive and restrictive factors and take constructive and pragmatic steps to play an active role in improving relations between the Chinese and US militaries.

The Chinese military is willing to work with the US military to develop their relations featuring equality, mutual respect, peaceful coexistence, stability and positivity. Meanwhile, the Chinese military will resolutely safeguard China's sovereignty, security and development interests, Dong said.

Dong also called on the two sides to ensure an unimpeded channel for military communication and take concrete measures to boost the stable, sound and sustainable development of relations between the two countries and their militaries.