The Chicago 2006 China Forum opened Monday, with participants urging intensified efforts to promote better understanding between China and the United States as a major step to deepen bilateral ties.

Former Senator Adlai Stevenson III from Illinois said in his keynote speech that ignorance about China proved to be a main difficulty in U.S.-China relations.

"I find the Chinese better informed about America than American about China, and therein lies the main difficulty in U.S.-China relations -- ignorance," said Stevenson, who had just returned from his China visit.

"It (ignorance) is easily acquired and in American politics sometimes convenient but it isn't bliss. Ignorance is dangerous," he said.

"Changes in China are so profound and rapid that the realities of China lag our perceptions of China and reflect little of the dynamic social and institutional change which animates this proud and ancient country," he said.

The two-day forum, organized by the Chicago-based China Star Media Group, brought together experts, scholars, businessmen and government officials from China and the United States.

Forums like this help dispel ignorance -- both ways across the Pacific, Stevenson said. "With more efforts like this forum, we can make China's challenge to Americans the historic opportunity ( as) it is for the world."

Speaking about U.S.-China trade, he said "some 60 percent of China's exports to the U.S. are re-exports, imports to which value is added in China, including imports from U.S. companies, before they are exported."

"Some American officials blame China for America's unsustainable trade deficit. But China does not run a trade surplus with the world. Its trade with the world is in deficit."

"For politicians in Washington blaming China and telling China how to manage its economy is a little like General Motors telling Toyota how to make automobiles," he joked.

He said the Chinese friends should not confuse America with its government in Washington. "Governments come and go. The American academic and business communities see the opportunity China offers. "

Huang Yuejin, vice-chairman of the China Overseas Friendship Association, said China needs not only internal stability, but also a peaceful and favorable international environment.

"China will adhere to the independent foreign policy of peace, and stick to the path of peaceful development ... China will always be an important force for world peace and common development."

Source: Xinhua