Establishing and developing constructive relations between Beijing and Washington is a historic inevitability, the vice premier said at a meeting with former US Secretary of State Henry Kissinger.

Wang praised Kissinger for his important contributions to the development of Sino-US relations.

The world cannot return to the Cold War era, because the people won't let that happen, the human race cannot tolerate another Cold War, nor will politicians' intellect allows for it, Wang said.

Kissinger, for his part, said the overall stable development of US-China relations over the long term is a reflection of the interests of both countries.

At a time when great changes are happening in the world, the US-China relationship is an important factor in world peace and prosperity and the two sides should strengthen and expand their strategic dialogue in various fields, Kissinger said.

Wang arrived in New York yesterday after co-chairing the 4th session of the China-US Strategic Economic Dialogue in Annapolis, Maryland, and meeting US President George W. Bush and US lawmakers in Washington.

The vice premier and his entourage will depart for Beijing later yesterday.