Foreign Ministry: Head-of-state diplomacy plays leading role in China-U.S. ties

A Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson said on Tuesday that head-of-state diplomacy plays an irreplaceable strategic leading role in China-U.S. relations.

Spokesperson Guo Jiakun made the remarks during a press briefing, responding to a question about U.S. President Donald Trump's statement on Monday that he expected a visit to China this year.

Guo said China has always handled and promoted China-U.S. relations in accordance with the principles of mutual respect, peaceful coexistence and win-win cooperation, while firmly safeguarding its sovereignty, security and development interests.

"We hope that the U.S. will meet China halfway, and push the stable, healthy and sustainable development of bilateral ties," he said, adding that the two leaders maintain close exchanges and communication.