Vice-president says differences natural given cultural, historical backgrounds

WASHINGTON - Vice-President Xi Jinping urged the United States to respect the interests and concerns of China and other countries in the Asia-Pacific region.

"As the interests of China and the United States converge most closely in the Asia-Pacific than anywhere else, this region should naturally become an important area where China and the United States engage in positive interactions and pursue mutually beneficial cooperation," Xi told a lunch reception on Wednesday.

The luncheon was hosted by the National Committee on US-China Relations and the US-China Business Council. Hundreds of business leaders, policymakers, heads of cultural and civic organizations, current and former US government officials as well as Chinese officials were in attendance.

"China welcomes a constructive role with the United States in promoting peace, stability and prosperity in the Asia-Pacific," Xi said.

He said China and the United States should meet challenges together and share responsibilities in international affairs.

China and the US should steadily enhance coordination and cooperation on international affairs and regional issues, he said.

"Our world is undergoing complex and profound changes. China and the United States should meet challenges together and share responsibilities in international affairs," said Xi. "This is what the China-US cooperative partnership calls for and what the international community expects from us."

Vice-President Xi Jinping and Iowa Governor Terry Branstad raise their glasses at the beginning of a formal dinner in the rotunda of the Iowa Statehouse on Wednesday in Des Moines. [Photo/Agencies]