Xie Feng, China's new ambassador to the United States, late Tuesday stressed the importance of the relations between the two countries, saying the relationship is "too important for us to let it fail," hours after his arrival in the U.S. to assume office.

Speaking to Chinese and U.S. media at the Chinese embassy in Washington, D.C., Xie acknowledged that his appointment comes at "a critical moment" since the China-U.S. relationship has once again come to "a historical crossroads."

"We should keep pace with the trend of the times and reject Cold War mentality and zero-sum game, and open our heart and move forward in the same direction," he said in an appeal to the U.S. side.

"We should take concrete actions to deliver on the common understandings between President Xi Jinping and President Joe Biden, and explore the right way to get along with each other in the new era," continued Xie.

"We should uphold the principles of mutual respect, peaceful coexistence, and win-win cooperation," he said. "We should make the two peoples feel assured and set the world at ease."

A sound and stable China-U.S. relationship is not only in the interest of both countries, but also a shared expectation of the international community and a major contribution to world peace and prosperity, said the ambassador.

Though faced with "serious difficulties and challenges," China and the United States have always been able to move the relations ahead, he said.

"The relationship is too important for us to let it fail," he said. "Neither side can change or replace the other."

"Working together, both will come out as winners; fighting each other, both will lose, and the world will be hurt as well," he emphasized.

Xie said, whether China and the United States can manage the relationship properly is consequential to the future of the two countries and the planet.

"The world is watching us," he said.

Xie's message echoed what he had said hours earlier when he delivered brief remarks to media upon arrival at John F. Kennedy International Airport, where he urged Washington to work with China to enhance dialogue, manage differences and promote cooperation to put China-U.S. relations back on the right track.

"As a representative of the Chinese people, I have come here to safeguard the interests of China, and I take this as my sacred responsibility," he said in fluent English on Tuesday afternoon.

"As an envoy of the Chinese people, I have come here to enhance China-U.S. exchanges and cooperation, and I take this as my important mission."

He pledged to carry out responsibilities and live up to the mission with diligence and fortitude.

The United States should properly handle "important and sensitive" issues, such as the Taiwan question, in accordance with the principles in the three China-U.S. joint communiques, Xie stressed.

Matthew Miller, spokesperson for the U.S. State Department, said at a regular press briefing on Tuesday that the U.S. side welcomed Xie's arrival.

Washington remains committed to maintaining open channels of communication with China to "responsibly manage competition," Miller said.

Xie, 59, is seen as a veteran diplomat and U.S. expert. He last worked at the Chinese Embassy in the United States from 2008 to 2010.

Recalling his last post in Washington, he said upon his arrival at the airport that the world as well as the U.S. has gone through great changes.

"During my posting, I look forward to engaging extensively with the American people from all walks of life, observing and hearing about the country at a close distance, and exploring ways to deepen exchanges and cooperation," he said.

The ambassador voiced hope to "make friends" with the media and people from other sectors.

"Let us work together to contribute to China-U.S. relations with insights and actions and courage and grit."

Xie is the 12th Chinese ambassador to the United States. His predecessor Qin Gang, now China's State Councilor and Foreign Minister, left the U.S. in January. 

Upon his arrival to begin the tenure, the new Chinese ambassador also sent separate letters to the Chinese community and the Chinese students in the United States, extending his greetings and best wishes.

According to the Chinese embassy, Xie said in the letter that the Chinese community in the United States is a bridge that connects the two countries and has a stake in China-U.S. relations, and expects their "valuable" support and contribution for the bilateral ties.

He also praised the Chinese students' overcoming of a slew of difficulties to purse their study and research in a country across the Pacific, and encouraged them to "present a true China to their American friends."

"In all of you, I see the fortitude and perseverance that define the Chinese nation. I am truly proud of you," Xie said in the letter addressed to the students.

(Cover: Xie Feng, China's new ambassador to the United States, speaks to Chinese and U.S. media in Washington, D.C., U.S., May 23, 2023. /Chinese Embassy in the United States)