FM spokesman highlights importance of China-U.S. summit BEIJING, May 21 (Xinhua) -- A Foreign Ministry spokesman said Tuesday that an impending meeting between President Xi Jinping and his U.S. counterpart Barack Obama will aid in the construction of a new type of relationship between the two countries. The summit, the first of its kind to be held since Xi took office in March, would be conducive to strengthening strategic communication, increasing mutual trust, deepening bilateral cooperation and managing differences, spokesman Hong Lei said at a regular press conference. He said China-U.S. relations have maintained good growth momentum in the past four years, with dialogue and cooperation expanding in the areas of trade, energy, environmental issues and culture. He added that close communication and coordination have been used by both sides to address global challenges like the international financial crisis, as well as regional issues, such as tensions on the Korean Peninsula and the Iran nuclear issue. "Of course, China and the United States do have some differences that need to be properly addressed," Hong said. He said both sides shared a good start in bilateral relations this year and have seen opportunities to boost their growth, adding that China will work with the U.S. to implement the consensus reached between the two leaders, increase mutual understanding, boost cooperation and properly handle disputes. Maintaining and consolidating growth momentum and promoting bilateral relations serve not only the fundamental interests of the two nations, but also global peace and development, Hong said. Hong said the summit has been well-timed, as the Chinese and U.S. sides both want the heads of state to meet at an early date to discuss and plan the development of bilateral relations. Hong said the two leaders will exchange views on domestic and foreign policies, as well as issues of pivotal importance and regional and international issues of common concern. Xi will pay state visits to Trinidad and Tobago, Costa Rica and Mexico from May 31 to June 6 before meeting with Obama in the United States from June 7 to 8.