In a significant move to strengthen bilateral ties, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi urged China and the United States to find the right way to get along in the new era during a phone call with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Friday.
Wang Yi, who is also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, emphasized that the development of China-U.S. relations has reached a new important juncture.
He noted that Chinese President Xi Jinping had an important phone call with U.S. President Donald Trump last Friday, during which they reached a series of common understandings. President Xi elaborated on China's policy toward the United States, and President Trump responded positively, expressing his desire to maintain good relations with President Xi and highlighting the potential for the two nations to address global challenges together.
\"The two heads of state have pointed out the direction and set the tone for China-U.S. relations,\" Wang said.
Wang Yi stressed the need for both countries to implement the leaders' important common understandings. He called for maintaining communication, managing differences, and expanding cooperation based on the principles of mutual respect, peaceful coexistence, and win-win cooperation. This, he asserted, would promote the steady, sound, and sustainable development of China-U.S. relations and help find the right way for the two countries to coexist in the new era.
Highlighting China's commitment to peaceful development, Wang said, \"Our goal is to deliver a better life for the people and make more contributions to the world. We have no intention of surpassing or replacing anyone, but we must defend our legitimate right to development.\"
Wang elaborated on China's principled position regarding the Taiwan question, urging the United States to handle it prudently. He emphasized that Taiwan has been part of China's territory since ancient times. \"We will never allow Taiwan to be split from China,\" he stated.
He reminded that the United States has made solemn commitments to abide by the one-China policy in the three China-U.S. joint communiques and should not renege on them.
U.S. Secretary of State Rubio acknowledged the importance of the U.S.-China relationship. \"The United States and China are two great countries, and our relationship is the most important bilateral relationship in the 21st century and will determine the future of the world,\" he said.
Rubio expressed the United States' hope to have candid communication with China, resolve differences, and manage the bilateral relationship in a mature and prudent manner. He emphasized working together to address global challenges and maintain peace and stability in the world.
Regarding the Taiwan question, Rubio stated that the United States does not support \"Taiwan independence\" and hopes for a peaceful resolution acceptable to both sides of the Taiwan Strait.
Wang Yi concluded by stressing that major countries should act responsibly, uphold international obligations, maintain world peace, and contribute to global development. \"I hope you will act accordingly and play a constructive role for the future of the people of China and the United States, as well as for the peace and stability of the world,\" he said.
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Wang Yi urges China, U.S. to find right way to get along in new era
cgtn.com
