G20: Chinese ambassador expects clear strategic guidance on China-U.S. ties

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It's necessary for the leaders of China and the U.S. to review the developments in bilateral ties, and give a clear strategic guidance on where the relationship is going, said Cui Tiankai, Chinese ambassador to the United States.

Trade remains the main focus of the upcoming G20 summit in Argentina.

"I expect the meeting will enable China and the U.S. to make further progress on many fronts, including economic and trade issues," said Cui during an interview on Monday, adding that negotiations between the two countries need good faith.

"For a negotiation like this, people have to make their position clear and consistent. If their position is shifting all the time, I don't think it's helpful for any negotiation," said Cui.

He also said competition is inevitably on the rise given the increasing trade and investment interactions between the two countries, which is mainly determined by economic logic rather than any policy.

Global market might be fragmented

Cui said that trade frictions, not only between China and the U.S. but also between other countries, would pose risks to the global economy.

"The problem is that if things go on like this, there's a real risk the global market might become fragmented," said Cui, adding that "I don't know whether this will serve the interests of any country. I don't think that this will serve the interests of China. I don't think it will serve the interests of the U.S. either."