Li Peng, chairman of the Standing Committee of China's National People's Congress (NPC), met a delegation headed by Henry J. Hyde, chairman of the International Relations Committee of the US House of Representatives, yesterday.

Li said the NPC valued relations with the US Congress and China invited more US congressmen to visit to enhance understanding and friendship.

He said China-US relations were generally developing well. During his October US visit, Chinese President Jiang Zemin had a fruitful meeting with US President George W. Bush.

Exchanges and cooperation in fighting terrorism, and trade and economic accords were registering new progress and consultation and coordination on significant international and regional issues were proving effective.

Li said these advances benefited the peoples of both nations and were conducive to regional and world peace and stability.

Li briefed the guests on China's stance against terrorism and the Iraq issue.

Li said both the Republican and the Democratic parties of the US had demonstrated support for the improvement and development of China-US ties and many friends in the US Congress had done a lot to promote mutual understanding and friendship.

Hyde expressed his admiration for China's impressive achievements since his last visit two decades ago. He emphasized that the US and China had common interests and in the contemporary world should focus on promoting ties and strengthen ties.

He expressed satisfaction with China's cooperation in the war against terrorism in the aftermath of the September 11 terrorist attacks and thanked China for its support.

(Xinhua News Agency December 9, 2002)