Chinese Premier Li Keqiang called for respecting each other's core interests and major concerns on the basis of equality during separate meetings with U.S. National Security Adviser Robert O'Brien and New Zealand's Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern on Monday. 

The meetings took place on the sidelines of the 14th East Asia Summit in Bangkok, Thailand.

Li: China, U.S. should handle differences on basis of equality, respect

In his meeting with O'Brien, Li said China and the United States should focus on coordination, cooperation and stability when managing their ties, calling on the two sides to handle differences on the basis of equality and mutual respect and expand win-win cooperation. 

Noting that this year marks the 40th anniversary of the establishment of China-U.S. diplomatic ties, he said exchanges and cooperation between the two sides have brought tangible benefits to each other and the world. 

O'Brien said U.S.-China relations are very important for the two countries as well as the world. U.S.-China trade talks have achieved positive progress, he noted, adding that this is in the common interest of the two countries and the world. 

He called for properly handling differences between the U.S. and China in a constructive manner.

'Environment of fair competition for Chinese businesses'

In his meeting with Ardern, Li said China is committed to creating a world-class business environment established on market principles and the rule of law, and hopes that New Zealand would create an environment of fair competition for Chinese businesses investing in the country. 

China was pleased to see the conclusion of the negotiations to upgrade the bilateral Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with New Zealand, which has sent a strong signal to the world that the two countries are supporting free trade with concrete actions, he said. 

China is willing to join hands with New Zealand to respect each other's core interests and major concerns on the basis of treating each other equally and seeking common ground while reserving differences, said the Chinese premier. 

Ardern said the conclusion of negotiations to upgrade the bilateral FTA with China would bring more opportunities for mutually beneficial cooperation. 

She said her country is ready to offer a non-discriminative environment for enterprises from all countries doing business in New Zealand. 

After the meeting, the two sides issued a joint press statement announcing the conclusion of the negotiations to upgrade the FTA. 

(With input from Xinhua)