Chicago, Sep 21 (IANS): Former US Ambassador to China Max Baucus has urged China and the US to work together for the benefit of both.

"We desperately need each other in so many ways... both economically and geopolitically," Baucus told Xinhua news agency. "There are areas that we can cooperate. Our future is more assured if we do a better job for our people."

"There's distrust on both sides which is a big issue between the two countries," he said, adding that Washington and Beijing must sit down and talk. "It's very hard work. But it must be done."

Serving as US Ambassador from 2014 to 2017, Baucus says he knows China well. "Though there's a big cultural difference, Chinese people are just like American people. They have the same hopes, desires and concerns.

"Both people, both countries want food on the table, decent income, education for the kids, decent healthcare, clean air and clean water."

Baucus said that he enjoyed his job as the US Ambassador to China "very much".

"The reward of working on the relationship between the US and China is so important for the wellbeing of our kids and our grandkids," he added.