BEIJING, March 8 (UPI) -- Former U.S. President George H.W. Bush acknowledged the progress of U.S.-China relations when he met with Chinese President Hu Jintao in Beijing this week.
During the Friday meeting, Hu said the two countries want to create strong bilateral ties, Xinhua reported. He placed importance on the peaceful growth of the Asian-Pacific area, the state-run news agency reported.
China has been willing to deal with major issues through peaceful talks while beefing up bilateral exchanges based in mutual equality, respect and benefit, Hu said.
Hu also told Bush he was thankful for Bush's efforts to support friendship between their two countries, and briefed him about China's arrangements for the Olympic Games this year, the report said.
Bush, who is the honorary president of the U.S. delegation to the Olympic Games, said he would return in August to China to observe the event.
