President Bill Clinton reassured Beijing of Washington's acceptance that Taiwan was part of China

Republican Speaker of House Newt Gingrich visits Beijing before visit of Taiwan.

House Speaker Newt Gingrich, meeting with Chinese leaders in Beijing today | CNN - March 28, 1997 |

Li Ping described Gingrich's visit as "an opportunity in which we can enhance mutual understanding."

Gingrich is leading an 11-member congressional delegation to talk with Chinese leaders about several issues, including trade, human rights and the future of Hong Kong after July 1, when it returns to Chinese rule. The U.S. has pressed China to maintain Hong Kong's free market environment and its citizens' basic freedoms.

"Every evidence we get is that they want to make this work," Gingrich said of the Hong Kong transfer of power. He described the Chinese leaders as serious, respectful and friendly in the discussions. "Their interest is building a relationship," he said.

The Chinese are hosting back-to-back U.S. delegations. Vice President Al Gore left China today, wrapping up a four-day visit to discuss many of the same issues and lay the groundwork for a 1998 visit to China by President Bill Clinton.