US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton arrives in Beijing

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Source: CCTV.com | 02-21-2009 09:13

US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton arrived in Beijing on Friday night to begin the final leg of her Asian tour.

Expectations are high from both sides that the visit will push bilateral relations to a new level.

U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton (L) walks with Chinese Assistant Foreign Minister Liu Jieyi upon arrival at Beijing airport February 20, 2009.   (Greg Baker/Pool/Reuters)

A new secretary of state representing a new administration.

It's hoped Clinton's visit will turn the ties between the two nations to a new page.

Clinton is here to discuss issues of mutual interest, common challenges, as well as disagreements.

During her first major policy speech in Washington, Clinton spoke about the key issues she would address during her Asian tour. The new Secretary of State devoted much of her speech to US-China relations.

Hillary Clinton, US Secretary of State, said, "As we all know the United States will remain committed to pursuing a positive relationship with China, one that we believe is essential to America's future peace, progress, and prosperity."

Analysts say Clinton is here to call for a coordinated response to revive the global economy. She has said that in economic hard times, good relations with China are essential.