Maintaining that the Monica Lewinsky affair was aninternal matter of the US, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Zhu Bangzao painted a `positive' picture of Clinton and his contribution in normalising Sino-US relations.

``China greatly appreciates the positive role Clinton has played in the development of bilateral ties,'' Zhu said, adding President Jiang Zemin has already sent a letter to Clinton expressing his full support in the implementation of bilateral agreements.

``China sincerely hopes that relations between China and the United States will continue to move forward towards the target of establishing a constructive strategic partnership,'' the spokesman said.

Zhu noted that further improving and developing Sino-US ties will be in the fundamental interests of the two nations andrepresent the common aspiration of Chinese and American people.