BEIJING, Sept. 6 -- Chinese Vice President Li Yuanchao met a delegation of U.S. congressmen led by Senator Kirsten Gillibrand on Friday in Beijing.

Li called for concerted efforts from both sides to construct a new type of inter-power relationship between China and the United States, suggesting the two step up exchange and communication at various levels to boost mutual understanding and trust.

He also expressed hope that the U.S. congress could play a constructive role in promoting friendship between the two peoples and consolidating public support for and social consensus on the development of China-U.S. relations.

Echoing Li's views, Gillibrand highlighted the prospects for the development of bilateral relations, and expressed her willingness to increase mutual understanding and friendly cooperation between the two peoples.