Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao meets with visiting U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton in Zhongnanhai, Beijing

On February 21, 2009, Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao met with visiting U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton in Ziguangge, Zhongnanhai.

Wen said the past three decades have proven that cooperation for a win-win result is the only right path for Chinese-U.S. relations. Wen said in the face of the complicated and ever-shifting international political and economic situation, China and the United States need to tide over the difficulties together and work jointly to push forward their relationship. Wen called for the two sides to proceed from strategic height and long-term perspective to address each other's core interests, continuously enrich the content of their constructive and cooperative relations and advance bilateral links from a new starting point, which is in keeping with the fundamental interest of both sides. It also helps the international community gain strength and build up confidence in overcoming the global challenges. The Chinese government is ready to work with the U.S. government to make positive efforts to this end.

Wen said that jointly addressing the global financial crisis provides an opportunity for China and the United States to strengthen mutual trust and cooperation. He suggested that the two countries should perfect and give full play to bilateral mechanisms and increase consultation and coordination in multilateral fields. Wen said the two sides should firmly oppose trade and investment protectionism in various forms. He also called for the two countries to adopt proactive measures to overcome current difficulties in economy and at the same time, focus on developing an all-round, long-term and stable relationship of cooperation. Wen said the two countries, while seeking economic growth, should work together in addressing such issues as climate change, energy security and environment protection and realizing the millennium development goals, in a bid to push for world harmony and sustainable development.

Clinton said that the Obama administration was ready to tackle the financial crisis and oppose trade protectionism. She introduced the economic stimulus package of the Obama administration and expressed the appreciation of China's efforts and measures to promote economic growth. She also said that the United States wished to work together with China in coping with various challenges including the issue of development.

Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi and other officials attended the meeting.