Tuesday's first round of talks of the inter-parliamentary group of China's National People's Congress (NPC) and the US Senate in Beijing, represents the official launch of a formal exchange mechanism between the NPC and the US Senate.

It also marks a significant step forward in bilateral exchanges and co-operation.

The delegation, headed by Ted Stevens, president pre tempore of the US Senate, is the highest-ranking group sent by the US Congress to China in nearly seven years.

China's top leaders held separate meetings and talks with the delegation during their stay in Beijing.

Through in-depth talks on bilateral relations and on major international and regional issues of common concern, the visit will further mutual understanding and trust between the two countries and inject new vigour into bilateral relations.

It is also another major move to expand China-US parliamentary exchanges and co-operation since the NPC and the US House of Representatives first created a conference mechanism in 1999.

The Chinese Government has always attached great importance to developing Sino-US ties, viewing it from a strategic perspective.

As major trading partners, the two are tightly interwoven in an increasingly globalized economy. Economic interests are the driving force in bilateral relations and a vital element that both sides have to take into consideration when handling bilateral issues.

Moreover, the two nations, both permanent members of the United Nations Security Council, have to co-operate beyond the economic sphere. Their bilateral relationship is sure to cast great influence on peace and stability in the Asia-Pacific region and throughout the world.

As two countries at different stages of economic development, China and the US have distinct priorities.

Divergences are inevitable in inter-state relations. In maintaining a sound relationship, the most productive approach is to let common interests prevail.

It is also heartening to see the two sides achieve consensus on future operation of the exchange mechanism.