White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki said on Tuesday that the United States is approaching its relationship with China as one not of conflict but of competition. 

The spokesperson made the remarks when she answered a question about addressing the country's tensions with China in the upcoming climate summit. 

"We are engaged, as you know, at a range of levels," said Psaki. 

"We believe that the most important steps we can take is to rebuild and support our own economy here at home, and to also be candid about areas where we have concerns," she added.