China has urged Hillary Clinton not to confuse domestic politics with Sino-US relations after she slammed Beijing's trading practices.

"We hope the US can view China-US relations in an objective and rational way and not confuse domestic politics factors with Sino-US relations," China 's Foreign Ministry spokesman Liu Jianchao said.

"Facts have proven that Sino-US trade and economic cooperation has been beneficial and has brought substantial benefits to the two peoples," he added.

Spokesman Liu refused further comment and indicated that Beijing hoped to remain neutral as the US presidential election neared.

Clinton had earlier accused China's trade and currency policies and hammered President George W. Bush's policies towards the communist giant.

JR/MMN