President Xi: China, US can be very good partners

World
Europe

Chinese President Xi Jinping said China and the United States can be “very good partners” during a 20-minute meeting with visiting US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson in Beijing on Sunday.

“The development of China-US relations faces important opportunities at the moment,” Xi stressed.

Chinese President Xi Jinping meets with US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing on March19, 2017. /CGTN Screenshot

He told Tillerson that he had “good communications” with US President Donald Trump by phone and letter. “We both believe China and the US can absolutely be very good partners,” Xi said, adding that cooperation is “the only right choice” for the two countries, which share “far more common interests than differences.”

The Chinese president emphasized that China and the US should expand cooperation and strive for win-win results, while enhancing communication and coordination on regional issues.

US President Donald Trump (C) speaks to the press with Secretary of State Rex Tillerson (L) and Defense Secretary James Mattis (R) in the Cabinet Room at the White House in Washington, DC, on March 13, 2017. /CFP Photo

He also noted that the two sides should respect each other’s “core interests and major concerns.”

Tillerson said President Trump attaches great importance to his communications with Xi and expects a meeting between the two heads of state “as soon as possible.” Trump also looks forward to visiting China in the future, according to the top US diplomat.

The US hopes to develop its ties with China on the principles of non-conflict and non-confrontation, mutual respect and win-win cooperation, said Tillerson. He added that the two countries should improve mutual understanding, strengthen coordination and cooperation and address the challenges faced by the international community together.

Xi told Tillerson that he welcomes Trump’s future visit to China.

Chinese State Councilor Yang Jiechi (R) meets with US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson (L) in Beijing on March 18, 2017. /CFP Photo

This is Tillerson’s first visit to Beijing after taking office last month. He met with Chinese State Councilor Yang Jiechi and Foreign Minister Wang Yi on Saturday, following visits to Japan and the Republic of Korea.

Tillerson’s visit to China comes as the two sides are finalizing details for the first summit between President Xi and his US counterpart Trump, which could take place in the US in April.

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi (L) meets with US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson (R) in Beijing on March 18, 2017. /CFP Photo

The two presidents had a telephone conversation on February 10, during which they pledged to boost win-win cooperation in a variety of areas and develop a constructive China-US relationship.

Trump has said he fully understands the high significance of the US government's pursuit of the one-China policy, adding that his administration adheres to the policy, which is the political basis of China-US relations.

The volatile situation on the Korean Peninsula was also high on Tillerson’s agenda during his East Asia visit.