HOUSTON, May 2 (Xinhua) -- China-U.S. cooperation is the best option for both sides, and a boon for the world as a whole, a Chinese diplomat said Thursday.

Li Qiangmin, Chinese consul general in Houston, U.S. state of Texas, made the remarks at the Inaugural U.S.-China Light of Hope breakfast event organized by the U.S.-China Center for Medical Exchange, a nonprofit and non-governmental organization.

According to Li, as this year marks the 40th anniversary of China-U.S. diplomatic ties, the world is eager to see how the two countries will strengthen their mutual trust and develop their relations in the next 40 years facing challenges such as terrorism, climate change as well as cancer.

"Facts have proven that cooperation is the best option for both sides, and win-win can lead to a better future," said the diplomat.

The breakfast event was held in honor of the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center's Chinese Institutions and affiliated hospitals during the Global Academic Programs Conference, an annual forum which aims to "develop impactful, innovative ideas and research that help lessen the world's cancer burden."

Representatives from six Chinese cancer hospitals attended the conference.

The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center is one of the original three comprehensive cancer centers in the United States and has been focusing on cancer treatment, research and prevention.