BEIJING - US Secretary of State Hillary of Clinton told Chinese President Hu Jintao on Friday that relations between their two countries were the strongest they had ever been.

US Secretary of State Hillary of Clinton (L) shakes hands with Chinese President Hu Jintao during a meeting at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing on Friday. [Photo by Xu Jingxing/Asianewsphoto]

"We believe that the China US relationship is stronger than it's ever been," Clinton said during a meeting at the Great Hall of the People.

"We have developed a very open and honest relationship where we can discuss our differences, and we remain committed to bridging those differences whenever and wherever possible."