Chinese Premier Li Keqiang highlighted the importance of China-U.S. relations, calling on the two sides to expand common interests and enhance cooperation while properly managing differences to avoid confrontation.

Speaking to reporters at a press conference after the conclusion of the third session of the 13th National People's Congress on Thursday, Li acknowledged the challenges in the bilateral relations but stressed that the two countries also have extensive common interests and exchanges in many fields.

China and the U.S. gain from cooperation, lose from confrontation, he said.