China-US relations has become a hot button at the press conference on China's foreign policies during the Two Sessions. Chinese Foreign Minister, Wang Yi, has stressed the importance of cooperation between the two countries, while standing firm to support Huawei filling the US government. Our reporter, Wang Hui, talked to a CPPCC member to analyze Wang's comments.

On the brink of the 40th anniversary of China-US diplomatic relations, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi urges stronger bilateral ties and better cooperation.

WANG YI CHINESE FOREIGN MINISTER "Cooperation benefits both sides, confrontation will hurt the two. While cooperating, we will have some competition, which is normal for international relations. The key is how we treat it and handle it. If we emphasize competition, it will compromise cooperation."

Despite Wang's stance, bilateral ties saw ups and downs last year. The China-US trade spat began last March, and still hasn't ended. Several Chinese companies including Huawei were affected by the trade friction.

Huawei Chief Financial Officer Meng Wanzhou was arrested on December 1st at Vancouver International Airport at the request of US authorities. Canada announced last week that it intends to proceed with her extradition. The company filed a lawsuit against the U.S. government on Thursday. It challenges a provision of the U.S. National Defense Authorization Act that bars the government and its contractors from using Huawei equipment.

WANG YI CHINESE FOREIGN MINISTER "The recent actions targeting Chinese companies and individuals are not purely legal cases at all. Instead, it adds up to international political repression. We have taken and will continue to take all necessary measures, and firmly protect the legitimate rights of Chinese companies and residents. And we support related companies and individuals taking legal weapons to protect their own interests, rather than being silent."

Professor Jia Qingguo, is a CPPCC member, as well as a professor with the School of International Studies at Peking University. He echoes Wang's comments.

JIA QINGGUO CPPCC MEMBER "This is a political affair. Why did the U.S. ask Canada to arrest Meng? I think they are worried about Hua Wei's competition strength in 5G. The U.S. probably wants to suppress the company this way."

Wang's cooperative tone toward China-US bilateral ties seemed to contradict his stern sentiments over the Huawei lawsuit. Jia doesn't see it this way.

JIA QINGGUO CPPCC MEMBER "They are not contradictory statements. At the macro-level, we emphasize cooperation, as it benefits both. But the cooperation should be based on principles, and should not hurt the interests or legitimate rights of the country, companies or individuals. So, it was reasonable for Wang Yi to support the filing of the lawsuit."

Wang Hui, CGTN, Beijing.