President Xi calls for greater progress in China-U.S. ties in phone talks with Trump

Chinese President Xi Jinping on Friday spoke with U.S. President-elect Donald Trump on the phone, calling for greater progress in China-U.S. relations at a new starting point.

Congratulating Trump on his election as president of the United States, Xi said they both attach great importance to interaction with each other and hope that China-U.S. relations will have a good start in the new U.S. presidential term.

China and the United States are two great countries that are pursuing their own dreams and are committed to making their people live a better life, Xi said, adding that the two countries share extensive common interests and broad space for cooperation.

China and the U.S. can become partners and friends, achieve mutual success and prosperity, and benefit both countries and the world, he said.

As two major countries with different national conditions, it is inevitable that there will be some differences between China and the United States, Xi said, adding that the key is to respect each other's core interests and major concerns and find appropriate ways to properly resolve the issues.

Xi said the Taiwan question concerns China's national sovereignty and territorial integrity, expressing hope that the U.S. will handle it with extra prudence.

The nature of China-U.S. economic and trade relations is mutually beneficial and win-win, he said, adding that confrontation and conflict should not be a choice.

He called on both sides to uphold the principles of mutual respect, peaceful coexistence, and win-win cooperation, strengthen collaboration, and do more great, practical and good things for both countries and the world. This will enable China and the United States to continue moving forward along a course of stable, healthy, and sustainable development.

Thanking Xi for extending his congratulations, Trump said he cherishes great relationship with Xi, calling for continuing to maintain dialogue and communication. He expressed his expectation of meeting with President Xi at an early date.

The U.S. and China are the most important countries in the world, and they should maintain their long-lasting friendship and work together to safeguard world peace, Trump said.

The two leaders exchanged views on major international and regional issues of common concern, such as the Ukraine crisis and the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

They agreed to establish a strategic communication channel to maintain regular contact on major issues of common concern to the two countries.