U.S. President Bill Clinton today held a 21-gun fire solute welcome ceremony for Chinese President Jiang Zemin while the two pledged to work together for a better world in the 21st century.

At around 10:10 ET, national anthems of the two countries were played at the White House South Lawn while 21 solute guns were fired just about 500 meters away.

Under a clear and sunny sky, Jiang walked down from the platform together with Clinton and viewed the guards of honor.

It is the first time since 1985 when late Chinese President Li Xiannian visited the U.S. that a Chinese head of state is welcomed at such a big ceremony in front of the White House.

Speaking at the ceremony, which was attended by some 3,000 people, Clinton welcomed Jiang and his wife Wang Yeping, and the Chinese delegation to the White House.

"Your visit gives us both an opportunity and a responsibility at the dawn of a new century and a new millennium," he said.

In reply, Jiang said he came to the U.S. to "enhance mutual understanding, broaden common ground, develop cooperation and build a future together and to bring our relationship into a new stage of development."

Jiang said that the shared interests between China and the U.S. have increased and the potential for cooperation have expanded.

"Let us strengthen the bonds between us. Let us pursue common causes. Let us address our differences openly and with respect. Let us build a better world for our children," Clinton said.

Clinton praised the progress China has made since the reform began in the late 1970s. "Your reforms have lifted millions from poverty, offering better housing and better schools," he said.

"The Chinese people enjoy today a better standard of living than at any time in China's history," Clinton said.

It is absolutely clear that "China, with its ancient civilization and renewed economic and political vigor, will have a profound influence on the new world of the 21st century," said the U.S. president.

"Mr. President, together we can make this new era the brightest chapter in China's long and rich history, the best days America has ever known, and a new age of unprecedented peace and prosperity for all the world," he added.

Stressing the importance of the three China-U.S. Joint Communiques, Jiang also noted that the two countries should view and handle relations "from a historical height and with a strategic perspective."

"I hope that the development of China-U.S. relations can play a positive role in promoting mutual respect, peaceful coexistence and common development among countries around the world with different histories, cultures, social systems and levels of development," he said.

The welcome ceremony was followed by a summit between Jiang and Clinton.