China voices hope ahead of US VP's trip

BEIJING - China on Tuesday voiced hope for new progress in its relations with the United States ahead of US Vice President Joe Biden's forthcoming trip to China.

Biden is scheduled to visit Beijing from December 4 to 5.

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Hong Lei said China hopes to make joint efforts with the US to implement the consensus the two heads of state reached in building a new model of major-country relationship featuring non-conflict, non-confrontation, mutual respect and win-win cooperation.

"Both countries should cement trust, efficiently control differences and facilitate new progress of our relations," said the spokesman.

When commenting on a question regarding Biden's remarks in Tokyo saying the United States is "deeply concerned" about China's new Air Defense Identification Zone, Hong reiterated that the zone was established in order to defend China's territorial and airspace security, as well as safeguard flight order and security in the air, Hong said.

China hopes to get understanding and coordination from countries concerned over the issue, he added.

Beijing will be the second stop of Biden's week-long Asia trip which also takes him to Japan and the Republic of Korea.

The White House said in a statement that the trip would reaffirm US enduring presence as a Pacific power, promote its economic and trade interests, and underscore its commitment to rebalancing US foreign policy toward Asia-Pacific.