U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton said here on Friday that the United States and China can benefit from and contribute to each other's successes.

Clinton made the remarks while addressing an audience at Asia Society New York Headquarters on Friday afternoon, two days before she kicks off a four-nation Asian tour. Beijing is one of her destinations.

The United States doesn't see China on the rise as an adversary, said Clinton. On the contrary, Washington sees it as "in our interest" to work harder and build on areas of common concerns and shared opportunities with China.

"You know very well how important china is and how essential it is that we have a positive cooperative relationship," said the secretary of state. "It is vital to peace and prosperity not only in the Asia-Pacific region but worldwide."


Secretary of State Hillary Clinton speaks to members and guests of the Asia Society in New York City.(Xinhua Photo)
"Even with our differences, the United States will remain committed to pursuing a positive relationship with China, one that we believe is essential to America's future peace, progress and prosperity," she stressed.

She announced that the two sides will resume mid-level military-to-military discussions later this month.

"And we look forward to further improved relations across the Taiwan Strait," she added.

The top U.S. diplomat, leaving for Asia on Sunday, also said that during her stay in Beijing, she would discuss with the Chinese leaders on the structure of broadening dialogue between the two sides, on the basis of the Strategic Economic Dialogue from the previous administration.

Source:Xinhua