China Daily reporter Zhu Zhe asks a question during a news conference after the closing session of the 12th National People's Congress (NPC), at the Great Hall of the People, in Beijing, March 15, 2015.[Photo by Feng Yongbin/chinadaily.com.cn]
When asked whether China, with its growing economic strength, will challenge the leadership status of the US, Li said there are differences between the largest developing country and the largest developed country, while they share extensive common interests.
"When differences are properly handled, the two sides can have more extra energy to further expand the convergence of their interests," said Li, highlighting the ongoing talks on a bilateral investment treaty.
The negotiations will take some time but have already sent out a very clear message to the whole international community that China-US business ties will get even closer, Li said.
President Xi Jinping's upcoming visit to the US this year will give a strong boost to China-US ties, he added.
China and the US were each other's second-largest trading partner in 2013. Beijing and Washington announced in February that Xi will pay his first state visit to the US in September.
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