China praises 'sound, stable' relationship with US

BEIJING: A top Communist Party official said Monday that China's relationship with the US was "sound," but noted there were some difficulties earlier this year that leaders of the countries have pledged to overcome.

Li Yuanchao, who runs the party's organization department that controls senior appointments, made the remarks while receiving a US delegation that includes National Economic Council Director Larry Summers and Deputy National Security Adviser Tom Donilon.

Meetings between officials from the world's two largest economies are likely to touch on thorny issues including China's currency policy, a lopsided trade surplus, arms sales to Taiwan and US involvement over territorial disputes in the South China Sea.

"Although there were some disturbances in China-US relations, in April and May after President Obama and President Hu Jintao had two meetings, our relations have gotten back on a sound track," Li said. "The two heads of state have agreed to establish a positive, cooperative and comprehensive relationship for the 21st century."

The US officials are set to meet later Monday with Chinese Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi and China's top trade official Vice Premier Wang Qishan.