Wu Bangguo (R), chairman of the Standing Committee of China's National People's Congress, meets with a delegation from the Armed Services Committee of the US House of Representatives in Beijing Jan. 12, 2005.

Chinese top legislator Wu Bangguo said Wednesday in Beijing that China and the United States should enhance consultation and cooperation and show respect for each other's concerns.

During a meeting with a delegation from the Armed Services Committee of the US House of Representatives, Wu, chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress (NPC) of China, said Sino-US relationship is in an important period and he wished that the two countries should proceed from a long-term, strategic height to steer bilateral ties in a correct direction, strengthen consultation and cooperation in all areas, respect each other's concerns and push forward the development of the constructive relationship of cooperation.

The 25-member delegation was headed by Randy Forbes and Ike Skelton, members of the House of Representatives.

Wu briefed the American guests on the draft anti-secession law. He said the secessionist "Taiwan Independence" force attempting to separate Taiwan from China has become the biggest obstacle to development of relations across the Taiwan Straits and to peaceful reunification of China, consisting the top threat to peace and stability in the area.

Wu said the draft anti-secession law aimed to oppose and prevent the secessionist force of "Taiwan Independence" from separating Taiwan from China and promote peaceful reunification of the country. The legislation is designed to maintain peace and stability in the area of Taiwan Straits, safeguard China's sovereignty and territorial integrity and protect the basic interests of the Chinese nation.

The US guests expressed the wish to strengthen friendly exchanges between the US Congress and China's legislature. They wished to expand dialogues between the two countries so as to enhance mutual understanding and push forward US-China relations.

The US delegation arrived in Beijing Tuesday for a five-day visit to China. Besides Beijing, they will also go to Xi'an city in northwest China and Shanghai.