On January 16, 2008, Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao met in Ziguangge, Zhongnanhai with U.S. Deputy Secretary of State John D. Negroponte, who is here for the fifth round of Sino-U.S. strategic dialogue.

Wen said the Sino-U.S. relationship is one the most important state-to-state relations. Smooth bilateral relations are in the fundamental interests of the two counties and two peoples, as well as the peace, stability and prosperity of the world. He called on the two sides to deal with the Sino-U.S. relations from a strategic and long-term point of view, promote mutual understanding and trust, deepen reciprocal cooperation through mechanisms such as the strategic dialogue, and properly handle the relevant sensitive issues, especially the Taiwan question, so as to maintain a long-term, sound and stable development of the constructive relationship of cooperation.

Negroponte said the development of China is in the interests of the United States. The U.S. side hopes to strengthen comprehensive dialogue and cooperation with China. The stance of the United States against the Taiwan authorities' planned referendum on UN membership, which has been reiterated many times, is very clear, said Negroponte.

Vice Foreign Minister Dai Bingguo attended the meeting.