China is strengthening its ties with the United States, particularly in the medical field, as it aims to realize research studies that can help contain cancer and many other life-threatening diseases.

Chinese Vice-Premiere Liu Yandong said on Sunday that China and the U.S. are working closely together to successfully realize this goal.

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Yandong made the announcement in front of nearly 20 staff and faculty members at the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, China Daily has learned.

"We have to work with the United States and Anderson Center to learn from the advanced science and technology, particularly in our nation's fight against cancer, concerning early diagnosis and detection, precision treatment and early prevention," Liu Yadong said.

"Both China and the US have agreed this year to add medical cooperation into our ongoing dialogue on high-level consultation on People-to-People Exchange," Yadong added.

Liu also noted that the two countries have begun their friendly relation about 200 years ago when a U.S. commercial vessel visited Guangzhou Port of China, according to ECNS.

The announcement comes amid China's bold resolve of reforming its healthcare and medical system.

The president of the research institution, Ronald A DePinho recognized the Chines government's resolve and cited the rising number of Chinese cancer patients as one of the driving forces of this medical alliance.

As per latest statistics, nearly 3.4 million Chinese are diagnosed with cancer annually, and about 2.1 million of these patients do not manage to survive. 

Given the survival rate is far less than the fatality rate, Chinese officials are optimistic that this partnership will foster hope to Asia's Sleeping Giant. 

Houston is said to play a very vital role in the alliance between China and the U.S. For one thing, Houston is known for its economic power, space research and energy and petroleum industries, reports English.Eastday.com.

Moreover, Houston has been very helpful to China since approximately 100 Houston companies are currently operating in the Asian giant. At the same time, roughly 30 Chinese companies have penetrated the Houston market.

"In the past six years, the two sides have made many progresses in exchanges in education, sports, science and technology, culture, women and youth areas," Liu Yadong said before adding that the two countries are more than eager to move forward with their plans for the public health sector.

TagsScience, medical research, Cancer, Houston