Rice says US building candid, cooperative ties with China

US national security adviser Condoleezza Rice, designated by US President George W. Bush as secretary of state, said at her confirmation hearing on Tuesday morning that the United States is building "candid, cooperative and constructive" ties with China.

"We are building a candid, cooperative and constructive relationship with China that embraces our common interests but still recognizes our considerable differences about values," Rice said.

In addition, Rice said that US alliances with Asian countries have never been stronger.

"In Asia, we have moved beyond the false assumption that it is impossible to have good relations with all of Asia's powers. Our Asian alliances have never been stronger, and we will use that strength to help secure peace and prosperity," she said, adding that Japan, South Korea and Australia are "key partners" in US efforts to deter common threats and spur economic growth.