Chinese vice premier meets U.S. senator

Vice Premier Wang Qishan met with Richard C. Shelby, ranking member of the U.S. Senate Banking Committee on Wednesday. Stressing the interdependence of the two countries' economies, Wang said China and the United States should build mutual trust and strengthen cooperation on the basis of increased mutual understanding, and the two sides should be jointly committed to a comprehensive and reciprocal economic partnership. Speaking highly of the progress the two countries have achieved in economic cooperation, Shelby said it is important for them to work together. He vowed to contribute to the sound development of China-U.S. relations. After meeting with Wang, Shelby also met with senior legislator Lu Yongxiang in the Great Hall of the People. "Strengthening friendly exchanges between the Chinese National People's Congress (NPC) and the U.S. Congress will play an irreplaceable role for the two countries' overall relationship," said Lu, vice-chairman of the NPC Standing Committee, China's top legislative body. Shelby said the NPC and the U.S. Congress should work together and play positive roles to enhance the two countries' mutual trust and cooperation. Shelby is visiting China at the invitation of the Chinese People's Institute of Foreign Affairs.