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SCMP Reporter

The American ambassador to China, Clark Randt, said relations between the two powers had 'never been better' and should improve further, on the eve of this week's Sino-US summit.

'We welcome the emergence of a strong, peaceful and prosperous China and seek to work together with China to promote the preservation of global and regional peace, stability and prosperity,' Mr Randt said.

President Jiang Zemin is due to hold a summit with his United States counterpart, George W. Bush, at the latter's ranch in Crawford, Texas, this week.

It was the first time Mr Randt had openly welcomed a strong China since Mr Bush came to power early last year.

Analysts have noted a major setback in Sino-US ties after Mr Bush labelled China a 'strategic competitor' in contrast to former US president Bill Clinton's 'strategic partner' designation.

In the Xinhua interview, Mr Randt said Sino-US relations 'have never been better', adding 'the trend will continue'.

He said: 'I can personally attest that President Bush is committed to good relations with China and the Chinese people.'

Sino-US ties have improved following joint efforts to combat terrorism, while frequent high-level exchanges have reduced misunderstanding.

Mr Randt also confirmed that the US was discussing increased military contacts with Beijing.

'Successful military-to-military exchanges require meaningful exchanges based on the principles of mutual respect, reciprocity, transparency and consistency,' he said. 'We will continue to pursue this objective and are currently discussing measures to increase such contacts with the Chinese government.'

Military exchanges were suspended when US-led Nato forces bombed the Chinese embassy in Belgrade in May 1999 but have been gradually resumed, albeit at a lower level. Sino-US ties were put to the test again when an American spy plane collided in mid-air with a Chinese fighter in April last year.

Beijing also made public its displeasure when Mr Bush decided to increase US military presence in the Asia-Pacific and strengthened military links with Taiwan over the past two years.

Beijing's critics fear that a strong China poses a threat to the US, especially given the lack of democracy on the mainland. Analysts claim that this view is shared by some key members of the Bush administration.



Sino-US relations at all-time high, says Washington envoy