Chinese Consul General in Houston Li Qiangmin delivers a speech at an event promoting southwest China's city of Chengdu in Austin, Texas, the United States March 8, 2019. Li Qiangmin underscored Friday the significance of furthering China-U.S. cooperation in sci-tech innovation at all levels, with cities and enterprises as primary players. "Sci-tech innovation cooperation makes up an important part of Sino-U.S. relations. Cities and companies in both countries will see real gains from stronger collaboration in this regard. The two peoples will also be able to understand and trust each other better," Li Qiangmin said at an event promoting southwest China's city of Chengdu in the southern U.S. city of Austin. Strengthening the ties between Chengdu and Austin, two innovation-driven cities, will create a win-win scenario, Li said. (Xinhua/Wang Ying)

AUSTIN, the United States, March 8 (Xinhua) -- A Chinese diplomat underscored Friday the significance of furthering China-U.S. cooperation in sci-tech innovation at all levels, with cities and enterprises as primary players.

"Sci-tech innovation cooperation makes up an important part of Sino-U.S. relations. Cities and companies in both countries will see real gains from stronger collaboration in this regard. The two peoples will also be able to understand and trust each other better," Chinese Consul General in Houston Li Qiangmin said at an event promoting southwest China's city of Chengdu in the southern U.S. city of Austin.

Strengthening the ties between Chengdu and Austin, two innovation-driven cities, will create a win-win scenario, Li said.

The diplomat also praised the tremendous progress the two countries have made over the past four decades, citing the surge in two-way direct flights, trade volume and Chinese students studying in the United States.

Cooperation has proven to be the only right choice for China and the United States, he said.

"Looking ahead, the China-U.S. relationship should be defined by the people on both sides," he said.