On January 16, 2008, Chinese Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi met with U.S. Deputy Secretary of State John Negroponte.

During the meeting, Yang hailed the steady developing momentum of China-U.S. ties, saying both sides should continue to strengthen exchanges and cooperation and enhance mutual understanding and trust, to promote constructive and cooperative ties between the two countries toward new progress.

Negroponte said the U.S.-China relationship is very important. The U.S. side is looking forward to making joint efforts with China to further promote bilateral ties.

Yang reaffirmed the Chinese government's principled position on the Taiwan question. "Under the current situation, to more firmly oppose the Taiwan authorities' splitting activities such as the 'UN membership referendum' is of crucial importance to safeguarding peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait and the overall situation of China-U.S. relations," Yang said.

Negroponte reiterated the U.S. position on Taiwan's "UN membership referendum".

The two also exchanged views on some international and regional issues of common concern.