Chinese premier meets Kerry on trade, energy

BEIJING - Chinese Premier Li Keqiang urged progress on investment treaty negotiations and closer cooperation on energy and environment while meeting with US Secretary of State John Kerry on Friday.

Calling China and the United States the largest developing and developed countries in the world, Li said strategic coordination and cooperation between the two sides helps to build a new type of major-country relationship, while promoting regional and world peace, development and prosperity.

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"We should respect each other as equals, accommodate each other's core interests and major concerns, develop our relations and achieve win-win situations in a more pragmatic and open manner," said the premier.

Regarding energy cooperation, Li urged the United States to step forward in direct exports of liquefied natural gas to China and joint exploration of shale gas.

The premier also called for closer China-US technological cooperation in countering climate change.

Kerry, on his second China visit since taking office last February, told Li that constructive dialogue and cooperation is of vital importance.

He said the United States would like to expand trade cooperation with China, push forward bilateral investment treaty negotiations, strengthen coordination on global issues such as climate change, cement US-China ties, and jointly safeguard regional peace and stability.

Li hailed the progress of bilateral relations since last year, citing the two successful meetings between Chinese President Xi Jinping and US President Barack Obama, and bilateral trade volume that exceeded $500 billion.

As next year marks the 70th anniversary of victories in the World Anti-Fascist War, Li said only by facing up to and drawing lessons from history, can we avoid the repeated tragedies of the war.

"The Chinese hope to join with all peace-loving people around the world, to maintain the peace and tranquility of the Asia-Pacific region and the world," said the premier.

Kerry opened his 24-hour China visit Friday morning by meeting President Xi Jinping at the Great Hall of the People. He also met Chinese State Councilor Yang Jiechi and held talks with Foreign Minister Wang Yi later in the day.

Before coming to Beijing, Kerry visited Seoul where he met President Park Geun-hye and his counterpart Yun Byung-se. After China, he is scheduled to travel to Indonesia and the United Arab Emirates as part of his four-nation tour.