Chinese Premier Li Keqiang (R) meets with a delegation of U.S. congressmen led by Bill Shuster (L), chairman of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, in Beijing, capital of China, Aug. 16, 2014. (Xinhua/Ju Peng)

BEIJING, Aug. 16 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Premier Li Keqiang met with a delegation of U.S. congressmen led by Bill Shuster, chairman of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee here on Saturday.

Li talked with the delegates, many of whom are visiting China for the first time, about China's economic situation, China-U.S. cooperation and international and regional issues of common concern, and answered their questions.

This 10-member delegation is also the largest delegation of congressmen to visit China in recent years. They were invited by the Chinese People's Institute of Foreign Affairs.

Li said China and the United States should strengthen communication and exchanges between governments, legislatures and political parties, and deepen substantial cooperation to cope with international and regional issues and global challenges.

The two countries should properly handle their disputes in the spirit of mutual respect and seek consensus to promote sound and stable development of bilateral ties, he said.

Li told the delegates that there is a big gap between eastern and western China in terms of transportation infrastructure. China will strengthen infrastructure construction in central and western areas while promoting exports in technology and high-speed railway and highway equipment.

China is willing to join the United States in upgrading transportation infrastructure, he said.

The premier stressed that China advocates establishing good relationships and strengthening mutual trust with its neighbors. China is also dedicated to a peaceful world and a stable regional environment.

China will continue to shoulder international responsibility in accordance with its development and promote global peace and development with other countries, Li noted.

Shuster said the U.S. welcomes a bigger role for China in international and regional affairs and is willing to enhance mutual understanding and trust, expand cooperation and jointly cope with challenges.

The U.S. congressmen are willing to learn more about China and play a positive role in the development of U.S.-China relations, he said.

Shuster also conveyed condolences over the earthquake that hit Ludian in southwest China's Yunnan Province on Aug. 3, leaving 617 people dead.