Washington, Sep 28

US Secretary of State John Kerry Friday hailed "meaningful steps" taken this year by the US and China in expanding their positive and productive cooperation.

In a message to congratulate the Chinese people on the 64th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China, Kerry said, on behalf of President Barack Obama and the US people, he was pleased "to extend our best wishes and congratulations to the people of China as you celebrate your National Day on October 1", reported Xinhua.

Kerry said the relationship between the two countries "has grown by historic measures since president (Richard) Nixon's visit to China 41 years ago."

"We have worked together to forge a mature relationship, one that recognises that economic prosperity is not a zero sum game, that a prosperous China is good for the US, and a prosperous US is good for China," the top US diplomat said.

The two sides have taken "meaningful steps" this year to expand the positive and comprehensive cooperation, Kerry said, citing " candid and productive discussions" at the two summits held by Chinese President Xi Jinping with Obama in California and on the sidelines of the G20 summit in Russia, and at the fifth Strategic and Economic Dialogue held in Washington.

He said the US-China cooperation includes the cooperation on climate change and sustainable energy, as well as "the strong bonds between our students and scholars, our scientists, and our business communities".

The US-China relations have steadily improved this year, especially since the June summit held between Xi and Obama at the Sunnylands Estate in California. During this summit, they reached a historic consensus on building a new model of major-country relations based on no conflict or confrontation, mutual respect and win-win cooperation.

by:IANS