Washington: The US has welcomed an upcoming meeting between Chinese President Hu Jintao and Taiwanese leader Vincent Siew, saying that it was "the best way forward" to improve cross-strait relations.

The US thinks that dialogue is the best way forward, Deputy Secretary of State John Negroponte said, responding to a question from reporters.

"We believe the best way to settle differences over the Taiwan Strait is by peaceful means," he said. "So yes, I would say that this is a good way forward," he added.

Vincent Siew, leader of the Taiwan-based Cross-Strait Common Market Foundation delegation, arrived at Boao, a scenic town in the island province of Hainan in south China, on Friday afternoon to attend the annual conference of Boao Forum for Asia (BFA).

Siew is expected to attend a round-table conference on cross-strait trade in Boao on Sunday.

President Hu will meet the Taiwanese entrepreneur delegation headed by Vincent Siew Saturday, according to Long Yongtu, secretary-general of the BFA.

It is the sixth time for Siew to head the Taiwan delegation for the BFA since 2003. The theme for the 2008 BFA annual meeting is "Green Asia: Moving Toward Win-Win Through Changes"

Established in 2001,the BFA has become the premier platform for discussion and debate on economic development in Asia.

Source : IANS