Chinese Foreign Minister Li Zhaoxing met with visiting U.S. Deputy Secretary of State John Negroponte here on Sunday morning.

Negroponte arrived in Beijing on Saturday, a day after China voiced its opposition to the U.S. plan to sell Taiwan more than 400 missiles worth 421 million U.S. dollars.

Li said China is ready to make joint efforts with the United States to properly handle disputes and sensitive issues, especially the Taiwan issue.

Negroponte told Li that the U.S. government highly values bilateral ties and adheres to the one-China policy.

The Chinese Foreign Ministry said earlier that the weapon sales plan would violate previous commitments the U.S. made in the three Sino-U.S. joint communiques, and would constitute wanton interference in China's internal affairs.

Constructive and cooperative relations between China and the United States serve the interests of both countries and of the international community, Li said.

Negroponte said the United States will strengthen strategic dialogue with China and seek to push forward bilateral ties.

This is Negroponte's first official trip abroad since he took the post of deputy secretary of state on Feb. 27.

"I hope all of us can learn from your spirit of hard work in order to promote the friendship between our peoples and deepen our cooperation," Li said at the photo session prior to their meeting.

Li also expressed his condolences and sympathy during their meeting, after a cyclone hit the southern United States and killed scores of people.

Source: Xinhua