On May 12, 2008, Chinese Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi met with U.S. Deputy Secretary of State John D. Negroponte in Beijing.

Yang said that China-U.S. ties, under the joint efforts of both sides, have moved forward continuously in recent years. The leaderships of the two countries and officials at other levels have carried out frequent exchanges, while exchanges and cooperation in various fields have made progress, he added. Describing this year as an important one for Sino-U.S. relations, Yang said to maintain stable development of bilateral ties conforms to the common interests of bilateral ties. He hoped the United States would work with China to treat bilateral relations from a strategic viewpoint and long-term perspective, to continue fulfilling the consensus of top leaders from both nations and to increase dialogue, cooperation and mutual trust between the two countries. Yang also hoped the United States would properly handle sensitive issues such as the Taiwan question and those involving Tibet and remove interference, in a bid to promote the sustained, stable growth of China-U.S. constructive cooperative relations.

Negroponte said the United States hoped to keep the momentum of high level visits with China, enhance dialogue mechanisms in all areas and strengthen mutual understanding and cooperation. The United States would adhere to the one-China policy and abide by the three joint communiques between the two sides, he noted. Negroponte said the United States held a firm position that Tibet was a part of China, adding that the United States was ready to work with China to continue to push forward the process of the six-party talks. He wished the Beijing Olympic Games a success.