China is ready to work together with the United States to increase cooperation and properly handle their differences, so as to maintain and promote peace, stability and prosperity in the Asia-Pacific region and the world at large, State Councilor Tang Jiaxuan said Monday.

During a meeting with US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, Tang said China and the United States, both big powers with great influence, should increase their mutual understanding and mutual trust. The Chinese side is willing to make joint efforts with the US side, by firmly grasping the main line of cooperation, to cope with differences properly and jointly safeguard and promote peace, stability and prosperity in the Asia-Pacific region and in the world over.

On the question of Taiwan, Tang said China has been consistent with its stance for the promotion of peaceful reunification across the Taiwan Straits.

The important speech given by President Hu Jintao on March 4 gave an eloquent proof of the principle of the adherence to peaceful reunification and safeguarding the state sovereignty and territorial integrity, as well as the flexibility of developing the across-straits relations, he said.

The subsequent adoption of the Anti-Secession Law by the National People's Congress, or China's top legislature, with an overwhelming vote is aimed at opposing and checking the "Taiwan Independence" secessionist activities, Tang said, adding this at the same time showed the resolve and sincerity of the Chinese mainland in developing across-straits relations and safeguarding peace in the region.

China hoped that the US side will effectively fulfill its promise relating to the adherence to the one-China policy as well as commitments in opposition to "Taiwan Independence", and will not not send any wrong signals to the Taiwan secessionist forces.

Rice said US-China relations are very important to the US and the US government is dedicated to handling differences between the two nations in a manner of mutual respect and cooperation.

Acknowledging that its China relations is very crucial to the United States, US Secretary of State said the American side has been working dedicatedly to strengthening dialogue and cooperation to jointly cope with challenges and further advance US-China ties.

She also reaffirmed the United States' adherence to its one-China principle and expressed the hope that the tension across the Taiwan straits will be alleviated.

Moreover, the two sides had an exchange of views on other issues of mutual concern such as the reform of the United Nations and the current situation in the Asia-Pacific region.