On August 9, 2001, Foreign Minister Tang Jiaxuan met with Joseph Biden, Jr., Chairman of the Foreign Relations Committee of the U.S. Senate and other U.S. Senators in the delegation, during which they exchanged views on China-US relations and other issues of mutual concern.
 
Tang briefed the guests on China's foreign policy, and its stance on the non-proliferation and human rights issues. He said that China pursues an independent foreign policy of peace, and strives to safeguard and promote peace and stability of the Asia-Pacific region and the world at large. Tang said that China opposes and has never been engaged in proliferation of weapons of mass destruction and their means of delivery, adding that China's human rights have been constantly improving.
 
Tang noted that China attaches importance to the visit of Biden, and welcomes more US congressmen to visit China. He said the Chinese government values Sino-U.S. relations and China and the U.S. have shared common interests although differences still exist. He also noted that China hopes to expand contact and dialogue with the United States, to promote mutual understanding and trust, and to seek the converging points of bilateral interests so as to improve Sino-U.S. relations.
 
Expressing thanks to the Chinese side for its warm reception, Biden said that Sino-U.S. relations are at a critical time, and it is important for both sides to strengthen trust and avoid misunderstanding. Biden said he came to China to exchange views with the Chinese side and to promote mutual understanding. He noted that great changes have taken place in China over the past 20 years, and China's international influence has expanded, adding that the development and prosperity of China conforms to the US interests.