At the invitation of the US Senate, an NPC delegation, headed by NPC Standing Committee Vice-Chairman Sheng Huaren, arrived here Monday and conducted extensive talks with the US side over the past few days, including meetings with US Vice President Dick Cheney, Senate President Pro Tempore Robert Byrd, and other congressional leaders as well as high-ranking members from both the Senate and the House of Representatives.

After reviewing recent developments in China-US relations, both sides agreed that an earnest implementation of the consensus reached between President Hu Jintao and President George W. Bush is of great importance in promoting the constructive cooperative ties between the two countries.

The two sides were satisfied with the positive outcome achieved since the establishment of the parliamentary exchange mechanism in January of 2004 and agreed to further deepen substantial dialogue within the mechanism to facilitate cooperation in various fields, enhance strategic mutual trust and handle differences in order to ensure a sound and steady development of bilateral relations.

Briefing the US side of the recent development across the Taiwan Strait, the Chinese side reaffirmed its government's position on the Taiwan issue, and stressed that it is the most important and sensitive issue in China-US relations.

The Chinese delegation also stressed that resolute and explicit opposition to and containment of Taiwan's independence, to safeguard peace and stability across the strait, accords with the common strategic interests of both countries.

Expressing understanding of the importance and sensitivity of the Taiwan issue, the US side reaffirmed that it adheres to the one-China policy, abides by its obligations in the three joint communiques between the two countries and opposes Taiwan independence.

As to the bilateral economic and trade relationship, the two sides spoke positively of the outcome achieved in the Second Meeting of the China-US Strategic Economic Dialogue held here in late May and agreed to take the opportunity to beef-up bilateral economic and trade cooperation in accordance with the principles of "development, equality and mutual benefit" and settle differences and controversies through dialogue and consultation.

Both sides expressed their belief that there is great potential for the two countries to cooperate in energy and environmental protection and the two legislative bodies could play an important role in facilitating such cooperation.

The two sides also exchanged views on a number of international and regional issues. The Chinese delegation emphasized its position on the Darfur issue and expressed strong dissatisfaction and resolute opposition to a resolution passed Tuesday by the US House of Representatives which urged China to press Sudan on the Darfur issue.

Both sides agreed to hold the 5th meeting under the parliamentary exchange mechanism in China at an appropriate time next year.