WASHINGTON: President Bush met on Wednesday with Chinese Vice President Hu Jintao, who is expected to assume leadership of the world’s most populous nation next year, as US-China relations waver despite growing contacts on terrorism and trade.

During their half-hour meeting in the Oval Office, Bush expressed appreciation for China’s support in the US-led “counter-terrorism” campaign and called for stronger ties, according to administration officials.

Bush “talked about the importance of US-China relations and said he is pleased with the relationship,” White House spokesman Ari Fleischer said. “The president expressed his belief that the United States and China can work well together on a wide range of issues.”

After the meeting, Hu described the talks as “quite good.”

In a speech on Wednesday, Hu said he was “deeply impressed” by what he had seen and heard.

“I have a strong feeling that although China and the US differ in historical background and cultural tradition, the two peoples are eager to see the relationship grow,” he said.

But the visit, Hu’s debut on the world stage, comes as Beijing is increasingly frustrated over Washington’s policies toward Taiwan and what China views as a Pentagon-driven effort to bolster the island’s military capabilities, according to US and Chinese analysts. The United States last year announced an arms sales package to Taiwan that for the first time included submarines.

Taiwan, which China considers part of its territory, is the foremost issue in dispute between the two nations .

In his speech, Hu called on the United States to “strictly honour” its commitments to China on Taiwan.

“Properly handling this question is the key to promoting our constructive and cooperative relations,” Hu said. “If any trouble occurs on the Taiwan question, it would be difficult for China-US relations to move forward and a retrogression may even occur.”

The arms sales package and a quiet upgrading of ties with Taipei have led to growing concern in China and pressure on President Jiang Zemin, who is scheduled to visit the United States this fall.

China’s need for calm as it begins the transition from Jiang’s leadership has prevented a major flap, analysts say. But any further US actions benefiting Taiwan could precipitate a showdown, especially after the transition is complete. —Dawn/The Los Angeles Times News Service.