As long as China and the United States view and handle bilateral relations from a strategic height and long-term perspective, seize their common strategic interests, and enhance exchanges and cooperation with mutual respect and on an equal footing, they will realize the reciprocal and win-win results, Hu said.

Speaking at a dinner here Tuesday hosted by Governor of Washington State Christine O. Gregoire, Hu said China and the United States share common aspirations for promoting their economic and social development and common strategic interests in a wide range of areas -- from safeguarding world peace to promoting global economic growth.

During his current visit to the United States, Hu said, he would exchange views with President George W. Bush and other U.S. leaders on bilateral relations and major international and regional issues so as to jointly advance the bilateral constructive and cooperative relationship.

At a meeting here Tuesday with Gregoire, Hu said Washington State enjoys very close and fruitful exchanges and cooperation with China in economy, trade, education, health, science and technology.

He said the two sides will have broader prospects for mutually beneficial cooperation as China's reform and opening-up deepens.

He encouraged local business people to strengthen exchanges with the Chinese side.

Gregoire said she hoped bilateral cooperation would continue to grow in such fields as economy, trade, health, education, science and technology.

Also on Tuesday, China's State Development and Reform Commission and the Microsoft Corporation, the world's leading manufacturer of software for personal and business computing, signed here a memorandum of understanding on further strengthening bilateral cooperation in software.

Both sides agreed that bilateral cooperation in the coming five years will cover technology development, hardware purchase, software outsourcing, technical cooperation, personnel training and expansion of investment in China's software businesses.

The Chinese president also paid a visit Tuesday afternoon to the Redmond-based Microsoft Corp., where he told Microsoft Chairman Bill Gates that he is satisfied with bilateral cooperation and hoped to further expand such cooperation.

Gates said the Chinese government stresses innovation and Microsoft takes innovation as a key, which forms a firmer foundation for bilateral cooperation.

He also expressed his appreciation for the Chinese government's efforts and achievements in intellectual property rights protection.

Hu arrived here earlier Tuesday for his first state visit to the United States and Seattle is the first stop of Hu's four-day U.S. trip.

Hu will continue his five-nation tour, which will also take him to Saudi Arabia, Morocco, Nigeria and Kenya, when he concludes his U.S. trip Friday.