Premier Wen Jiabao said yesterday that Beijing hopes for better communications with Washington so that relations with the United States can be further improved.

He made the remark during a visit by US Deputy Secretary of State Robert Zoellick.

"We hope to improve strategic dialogue in order to enhance mutual understanding and trust," Wen said.

Zoellick arrived in Beijing on Monday night for a three-day visit to China. He also met with other senior officials including Foreign Minister Li Zhaoxing and Vice-Foreign Minister Dai Bingguo during his one-day stay in the capital.

At a news briefing at US Embassy in Beijing last night, the deputy secretary of state said he wanted to seek China's active and positive participation on a range of international issues, from security and non-proliferation issues in Iran, Iraq and Afghanistan to debates on climate change and energy.

"By reason of its size and its success and its growth, it is also affecting the international system," Zoellick said.

He told reporters he had touched on a broad range of bilateral and international issues with Chinese officials, including economy, security and international counter-terrorism.

Preparations for President Hu Jintao's visit to the United States in April was one of the topics discussed when Zoellick met with Vice-Foreign Minister Dai Bingguo.

Both agreed Hu's visit will be a "big event" in bilateral relations and of great significance in promoting the constructive and co-operative partnership between the two countries.

It will be Hu's first state visit to Washington since he became president in 2003.

Chinese analysts consider the frequent high-level official exchanges between the countries as a "positive sign" in the improvement of bilateral ties despite the differences that still exist.

Wu Miaofa, an expert on Sino-US relations at the China Institute of International Studies, said the US Government is shifting its diplomatic policies towards China from "strategic competitor" to "stakeholder."

"Signs have shown both the two parties are seeking more common interests while disregarding disparities, which will help Sino-US relations develop in a healthier and steadier way," Wu said.

But he pointed out certain disagreements between the two countries will continue to exist, such as in the problem of the renminbi exchange rate, trade issues and the Taiwan question.

Zoellick is expected to wind up his China visit tonight after visiting Chengdu, the capital of Sichuan Province, where he will visit a panda research centre and talk to local officials. After that, he will fly to Davos, Switzerland, where he will attend the World Economic Forum.

Editor: Yan