Qin Gang, the new ambassador of the People's Republic of China to the United States, has vowed to work to put the China-U.S. relationship back on track, stressing that "the door of China-U.S. relations, which is already open, cannot and should not be closed." 

He made the remarks when speaking to the press on Wednesday after arriving in the U.S. to assume office. 

"China and the United States, the two big countries, which are different in history, culture, social systems, and development stage, are entering into a new round of mutual exploration, understanding and adaptation," he said, adding that the two sides are trying to find a way to get along with each other in the new era. 

Saying that the bilateral ties are at a "critical juncture," the ambassador stressed the difficulties and challenges, as well as great opportunities and potential. 

The two peoples and the international community hope for a "sound, healthy and growing" China-U.S. relationship, he said.  

The new ambassador recalled the then U.S. National Security Advisor Henry Kissinger's secret trip to China 50 years ago, which helped lay the groundwork for then U.S. President Richard Nixon's ice-breaking China visit and the eventual normalization of relations between the two long-estranged countries. 

"Fifty years later today, as the 11th Chinese ambassador to U.S., I can travel most openly and fly directly to the United States," he said, adding that he will seek to "build bridges of communication and cooperation with all sectors of the U.S." during his term of office. 

Qin said that he would follow the principles of turning "mutual respect, equality, win-win cooperation and peaceful coexistence from a possibility into a reality." 

He finished his first speech to the press as the Chinese ambassador to the U.S. with best wishes to Americans, as the country continues to fight the COVID-19 pandemic and works to revive its economy.

"I wish the country an early victory against the pandemic and I wish the American people all the best," the ambassdor said. 

Qin on Wednesday also sent out a message to all Chinese living in America, hailing them as "major contributors" to China-U.S. relations.

The ambassador vowed that he will work to promote the legal rights and justified treatment for all Chinese.

Qin sent another message to Chinese students currently studying in the U.S., wishing them a safe stay and success in their studies. 

He called on the students to prioritize their safety and health amid the ongoing pandemic, saying he's looking forward to meeting them in person.

(Cover: New Chinese Ambassador to the U.S. Qin Gang delivers remarks to Chinese and American media upon arrival in Washington D.C., July 28, 2021. /Chinese Embassy in the U.S.)

(CGTN's Dong Xue contributed to this report.)