Pursuing a healthy and steady development of China-US ties is China's established policy and strategic choice, Hu stressed in talks here with Speaker John Boehner of the House and Majority leader Harry Reid of the Senate.

It has also been the consensus of the U.S. administrations, whether Republican or Democratic, since the two countries established formal diplomatic relations 32 years ago, he added.

A sound relationship between Beijing and Washington not only serves the fundamental interests of both peoples, but greatly contributes to the peace, stability and prosperity of the Asia-Pacific region and beyond, the Chinese president said.

With China and the US differing in culture, social system and development level, it is normal for the two sides to have differences on some issues, he said.

But what matters most is the common interests of the two countries, he stressed, saying that Beijing's position is that the two sides should seek common ground while reserving differences, so as to learn from each other and pursue common prosperity on the basis of mutual respect and equality.

Xinhua