In a significant step towards easing tensions, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi held a phone conversation with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Friday, urging both nations to find the right way to interact in the new era. The discussion, initiated at Rubio's request, marks an important juncture in China-U.S. relations.
Wang Yi, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, highlighted the recent phone call between Chinese President Xi Jinping and U.S. President Donald Trump. During that call, the two leaders reached a series of common understandings that set the tone for future bilateral relations.
\"President Xi comprehensively elaborated on China's policy toward the United States,\" Wang said. \"President Trump responded positively, expressing his desire to maintain good relations and emphasizing that China and the United States working together can solve many global challenges.\"
Emphasizing the need for practical implementation of the leaders' consensus, Wang Yi called for both countries to maintain communication, manage differences, and expand cooperation based on mutual respect, peaceful coexistence, and win-win cooperation. \"We should promote the steady, sound, and sustainable development of China-U.S. relations,\" he stated, \"and find the right way for our countries to get along in the new era.\"
Addressing internal dynamics, Wang Yi asserted that the leadership of the CPC is the choice of the Chinese people, and China's development is driven by strong internal momentum. \"Our goal is to deliver a better life for the people and make more contributions to the world,\" he said. \"We have no intention of surpassing or replacing anyone, but we must defend our legitimate right to development.\"
On the Taiwan question, Wang urged the United States to handle the matter 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 declared. Wang reminded that the United States has made solemn commitments to abide by the one-China policy in the three China-U.S. joint communiqu\u00e9s and should honor those commitments.
Secretary Rubio acknowledged the significance of the U.S.-China relationship. \"The United States and China are two great countries,\" he said. \"Our bilateral relationship is the most important in the 21st century and will determine the future of the world.\"
Expressing a desire for constructive engagement, Rubio stated, \"The United States hopes to have candid communication with China, resolve differences, manage the bilateral relationship in a mature and prudent manner, and work together to address global challenges and maintain peace and stability in the world.\"
On the Taiwan question, Rubio affirmed, \"The United States does not support 'Taiwan independence' and hopes that the issue can be resolved peacefully in a manner acceptable to both sides of the Taiwan Strait.\"
Concluding the conversation, Wang Yi emphasized the responsibilities of major countries. \"Big countries should act in a manner befitting their status, shoulder their due international responsibilities, maintain world peace, and help countries realize common development,\" he said. \"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.\"
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Wang Yi urges China, U.S. to find right way to get along in new era
cgtn.com
