"To promote harmonious labor relations entails efforts to always put the people first and to solve the most concerned, immediate and practical problems concerning workers' interests."

Xi Jinping, vice-president, saying building harmonious relations between employers and employees is an important and urgent political task. He made the statement at a recent national meeting on labor relations in Beijing.

"China's development is creating more opportunities for talented people to display their capabilities. We hope that more overseas Chinese will return home to start their careers or continue their scientific research here."

Li Yuanchao, head of the Organization Department of the CPC Central Committee, made the remarks during a meeting with Xiaoliang Sunney Xie, a member of the United States National Academy of Sciences.

"The most important task is to promote stronger and better understanding between the people of the US and China at all levels."

Gary Locke, the new US ambassador to China, urging both sides to take opportunities to form a closer relationship that will benefit both people and the world.