The relationship between China and the United States now stands "at an important juncture," Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi noted, calling for bringing the bilateral ties back on the track of sound and steady development. 

Wang made the remarks in his Lunar New Year congratulatory message ahead of Spring Festival, the Year of the Ox, which falls on February 12 this year. He also extended his best wishes to foreign diplomats in China.

Noting that China-U.S. relationship is the most important bilateral relationship in the world, Wang said China is ready to restart dialogue and consultations, manage properly the differences, and focus on mutually beneficial cooperation with the U.S. in the interests of both peoples and the world as a whole and in the spirit of no conflict, no confrontation, mutual respect and win-win cooperation.

"We will step up exchanges with other countries to safeguard international peace and stability," Wang stressed when talking about China's diplomatic goals in 2021. 

The Chinese foreign minister also mentioned to further elevate the China-Russia comprehensive strategic partnership of coordination for a new era, enhance mutual political trust and practical cooperation with the EU, and promote a community with a shared future in the Asia-Pacific in the year 2021.  

"We will step up the building of China-Africa, China-Arab and China-Latin America and Caribbean communities with a shared future to enhance solidarity and friendship with fellow developing countries," Wang added. 

Wang said the year 2021 is crucial for both China and the world, adding that China will stand in solidarity with countries across the globe to secure an early victory against COVID-19 and work with other countries to boost global economic recovery and development. 

He also said China will collaborate with other countries to promote fairer and more equitable global governance and stand together with other countries, rain or shine, to take good care of Mother Earth.

"We appreciate the preciousness of life in combating the virus. We feel the warmth of cooperation in going against chilly economic headwinds. The whole world is in this together, and the entire humanity is bonded by the same future," Wang said when looking back at 2020.

He said Chinese foreign service remained committed to the vision for a community with a shared future for mankind in 2020. 

"We focused on promoting international cooperation against COVID-19, fought both the coronavirus and the 'political virus,' and firmly safeguarded China's sovereignty, security and development interests. We worked with people of all countries to meet challenges, pursue development, and promote changes. We have made new contributions to peace and development of the world." 

He also expressed sincere appreciation to members of the diplomatic corps in China for staying on their post, fighting the virus, and enduring the difficulties with the Chinese people over the past year. 

Oxen are known for their diligence and strength in both Eastern and Western cultures, said Wang, adding that he believes that the Year of the Ox will be a year of hard work and harvest.

The Chinese foreign minister urged to work together for closer friendship and cooperation between China and the world, and for greater world peace and prosperity.