On the afternoon ofOctober 9, 2003, Premier Wen Jiabao, who is on an official visit to theUnited States, met with Vice President Richard Bruce Cheney, President Pro Tempore Ted Stevens, Chairman of Federal Reserve Board Alan Greenspan, and former Assistant to the President for National Security Brent Scowcroft respectively.

In his meeting with Cheney, Wen noted that China-US relations are the most important bilateral relations in the world. Under the current situation, bilateral cooperation is expanding instead of diminishing in terms of scope, and the foundation of bilateral ties is strengthening instead of weakening. Bilateral ties are facing a crucial developing opportunity. Wen said that theTaiwanquestion is the most significant and sensitive question amidst the China-US relations. It concerns the sovereignty and territorial integrity ofChina, as well as the stability and development of China-US relations. He hoped US would stick to the One China policy and observe the principles outlined in the three joint communiqués and oppose "Taiwan Independence".

Cheney noted that US attaches importance with developing relations with China and both countries share quite a broad range of interests in the world affairs. It is quite important for the two countries to step up contacts, hold frank dialogues and remove misunderstanding. The current US-China trade ties are fairly solid and the two countries also need good political ties.

In his meeting with Stevens, Wen thanked the friendly senators in the US Senate for their many years' care about and support to the development of China-US relations, as well as their unremitting efforts in promoting bilateral exchanges and cooperation. He hoped the two countries can carry out exchanges actively, increase understanding and promote cooperation.

Stevens noted that Premier Wen's visit to US bears important meaning to the future development of bilateral relations. He said thatChinais playing a more and more important role now, and US should further cooperation withChinato jointly address issues the two sides both face.

In his meeting with Greenspan, Wen briefed him on the financial reform and RMB exchange-rate mechanism ofChina. He noted thatChinaand US share extensive common interests in the financial field andChinais ready to strengthen dialogue and cooperation with US to work together towards stable increases of both economies and the world economy. Problems emerging in China-US trade ties should be appropriately addressed so as to promote bilateral economic and trade relations on a sound track and make benefits for both peoples.

Greenspan highly evaluated the sustained and rapid development of the Chinese economy, maintaining that the continuous expansion of the Chinese market keeps producing positive influence on US and the world economy. He wished success on the further reform ofChinaon financial system.

Wen also met with former Assistant to the President for National Security Brent Scowcroft, commending his past dedication to boosting the China-US relations and briefed him on the current China-US relations.