The United States should view and handle its relations with China from a "long-term and strategic vision" so that bilateral ties can develop "in the correct direction."

Foreign Ministry spokesman Qin Gang made the remark at a regular press briefing yesterday in response to rising criticism of China in Washington on issues such as the trade balance and the value of the renminbi.

On Tuesday, US Trade Representative Rob Portman released a review of Washington's trade relations with China, urging the Bush administration to take a tougher stance against China by rigorously enforcing trade laws. China's Ministry of Commerce has yet to respond to the report.

Qin said it is normal to have some frictions during the rapid development and expansion of bilateral trade "but they should be solved properly through consultation between the two sides working as equal partners."

He noted that Sino-US trade is mutually beneficial. "It is not unilateral, nor is it a favour granted by one side to the other."

Qin cited Christmas as an example when Americans benefit greatly from low-cost gifts and artificial trees made in China.

Exerting pressure or threatening to use sanctions is detrimental not only to Sino-US trade relations, but also to the interests of the US itself, he said.

In his review, Portman asked the Bush administration to use "all options available" to compel China to "live up to commitments to open its markets and enforce intellectual property rights."

On the Dalai Lama's visit to the Middle East, Qin said it is aimed at "internationalizing" the Tibet question and splitting the motherland.

"China is firmly opposed to his visit," he said.

He made the remarks as the Dalai Lama began a five-day visit to the Middle East.

Source: China Daily