BEIJING  -- President Hu Jintao told visiting US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice on Monday that relations between China and the United States were at a "crucial stage" linking the past to the future.

President Hu Jintao(R) shakes hands with visiting US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing on June 30, 2008. [Xinhua]

He pledged to work with the United States to enhance dialogue and exchange based on mutual respect, equality, reciprocity and prosperity to promote trust and cooperation and push forward the healthy development of Sino-US relations.

"Furthering the Sino-US relationship conforms to the fundamental interest of the two countries and peoples, and it has a profound impact on the peace, stability and development of the Asia-Pacific region and the world," he said.

Hailing the current state of US-China ties, Rice said President George W. Bush was expected to meet Hu during the upcoming G8 summit and dialogues.

She said Bush would continue to promote relations with China in the final part of his term and would strengthen cooperation with China on the six-party talks and other issues.

Hu reaffirmed China's stance on the Taiwan issue, and Rice said that  the United States adhered to the one-China policy.

Hu thanked the United States for its assistance after the May 12 Sichuan earthquake, saying Rice's tour to the quake zone on Sunday demonstrated "a warm feeling by Americans to Chinese people".

Rice said she was impressed with the recovery efforts and the spirit of the people.

After spending about four hours in quake-stricken Sichuan Province, Rice arrived in Beijing on Sunday afternoon to continue her visit to China.

Rice met with Hu on Monday morning following meetings with Premier Wen Jiabao and State Councilor Dai Bingguo.