Chinese President Hu Jintao and US President George W. Bush agreed in Hanoi yesterday morning to further promote Sino-US relations.

During a meeting on the sidelines of the ongoing 14th APEC (Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation) Economic Leaders' Meeting, Hu said China and the United States, as stakeholders and constructive cooperation partners, should strengthen dialogue, mutual trust and cooperation on major issues concerning the whole world and the common interests of mankind, and properly settle their disputes, so as to push forward bilateral constructive and cooperative relations.

Hu said both sides should, from a strategic and long-term perspective, adhere to the correct direction in developing bilateral ties and comprehensively promote bilateral constructive cooperation.

He said the Taiwan question should be properly handled as Bush and the U.S. government have repeatedly reiterated that they stick to the one-China policy, abide by the three Sino-U.S. joint communiques and oppose "Taiwan independence."

Hu expressed the hope that the U.S. side will honor its commitment and not send wrong signals to "Taiwan independence" secessionist forces, in efforts to safeguard Sino-U.S. strategic interests.

Hu said the two sides should also strengthen cooperation in the Asia-Pacific region so as to jointly safeguard and promote peace, stability and prosperity in the region.

The two countries should enhance economic and trade cooperation of mutual benefit, as well as exchanges and cooperation in wide-ranging fields such as anti-terrorism, non-proliferation, defense, energy, aerospace, science, technology, education, culture, health and youth, Hu noted.

Agreeing with Hu on strengthening bilateral cooperation in various fields, Bush said the U.S. side is ready to conduct various strategic dialogues and exchanges at various levels with China.

He said the U.S. side understands the sensitivity of the Taiwan question and its possible impact on U.S.-China relations, and that the U.S. policy on this question remains unchanged.

Bush said bilateral economic and trade cooperation is dynamic, and that the U.S. side welcomes China's development and does not worry about competition brought about by China's development.

He said both sides will settle their economic and trade disputes on the basis of mutual respect.

During the meeting, Hu also voiced his pleasure at the steady and sound growth of bilateral relations.

Bush said Sino-U.S. relations, an important component of U.S. foreign policy, have developed well and the U.S. side will make due efforts to maintain good relations with China.

He said strengthening bilateral cooperation is conducive to world peace and prosperity, as well as the settlement of major international and regional issues.