U.S. President George W. Bush's recent visit to China has reaffirmed the "candid, constructive and cooperative relationship" between the two countries, a senior U.S. official said here on February 27.

  James A. Kelly, Assistant Secretary of State for East Asia and Pacific Affairs, said President Bush's visit showed leaders of the two countries have much to agree upon in fighting terrorism and in many other issues.

  Kelly made the remarks at a luncheon sponsored by the U.S.-China Policy Foundation in commemoration of the 30th anniversary of the Shanghai Communiqué.

  The U.S. and China are both victims of terrorist violence and face a common threat from international terrorism, he said.

  Kelly said that during the visit, Bush expressed his appreciation for China's cooperation in fighting terrorism after the September 11 attacks.    

  China has become one of the largest trade partners of the United States, he said. China's accession to the World Trade Organization last year gave it the opportunity to participate in building a global economy based on market principles and the rule of law.  

  Kelly said the U.S.-China relationship is moving forward, despite twists and turns over the past 30 years since the Shanghai Communiqué, which he described as "a historic document".

  He said that although there are differences between the two countries, the United States is "well prepared to tackle the problems in the 21st century".