Chinese State Councilor Yang Jiechi (R) speaks while meeting with a delegation of Richard Nixon Foundation headed by Christopher Cox (L), a grandson of former U.S. President Richard Nixon, in Beijing, capital of China, May 3, 2013. (Xinhua/Xie Huanchi)

Chinese State Councilor Yang Jiechi on Friday said China and the United States need to work together to strengthen their cooperative partnership and build a new type of relationship.

Yang made the remarks during a meeting with a delegation of the Richard Nixon Foundation, headed by Christopher Nixon Cox, grandson of former U.S. President Richard Nixon.

Yang said the China-U.S. relationship is at a critical stage of development and the two countries need to advance friendly communication at all levels, work together to strengthen their cooperative partnership and build a new type of relationship.

Cox said he was proud of the development of the two countries' relationship during the past four decades and will continue to work for the healthy progress of the bilateral ties.

Prior to the meeting, a seminar on Nixon's first visit to China in 1972 was held at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing.

At the invitation of the Chinese People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries, the delegation is visiting China from May 2 to 10. Delegation members will retrace the footsteps of Nixon's first visit to China and attending programs to commemorate the event.