Vice Premier He Lifeng said on Monday he hopes the United States will work with China to promote the stable, sound and sustainable development of bilateral economic and trade ties.

He made the comment in talks with a visiting US congressional delegation led by Representative Adam Smith in Beijing.

According to Xinhua News Agency, the vice premier said a phone conversation between the Chinese and US heads of state last week had provided strategic guidance for the stable development of bilateral ties in the next stage.

He also expressed hope that Washington will engage in candid communication with Beijing.

The US congressional delegation also met with Defence Minister Dong Jun.

Dong called on members of the delegation "to remove disruptive and restrictive factors and take constructive and pragmatic steps to play an active role in improving relations between the Chinese and US militaries," Xinhua reported.