In a significant move to enhance China-U.S. relations, 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 path to coexist in the new era.
Wang Yi, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, emphasized that the development of bilateral ties has reached a critical juncture. Reflecting on a recent important phone call between Chinese President Xi Jinping and U.S. President Donald Trump, Wang noted that the two leaders reached a series of common understandings that chart the future course for China-U.S. relations.
\"President Xi comprehensively elaborated on China's policy toward the United States, and President Trump responded positively,\" Wang said. \"The two heads of state have pointed out the direction and set the tone for our relations.\"
He stressed the need for both nations to implement the leaders' important common understandings, maintain open communication, manage differences, and expand cooperation. Wang called for adherence to the principles of mutual respect, peaceful coexistence, and win-win cooperation to promote steady, sound, and sustainable development of bilateral relations.
Addressing China's domestic priorities, Wang Yi stated, \"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 must defend our legitimate right to development.\" He highlighted that the leadership of the CPC is the choice of the Chinese people and that China's development is driven by strong internal dynamism.
On the Taiwan question, Wang reiterated China's principled position and urged the U.S. to handle it prudently. \"Taiwan has been part of China's territory since ancient times. We will never allow Taiwan to be split from China,\" he asserted. Wang emphasized 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.
Secretary Rubio acknowledged the importance of the U.S.-China relationship, stating that both countries are great nations whose bilateral relations will determine the future of the world in the 21st century. \"The United States hopes to have candid communication with China, resolve differences, manage our relationship in a mature and prudent manner, and work together to address global challenges and maintain peace and stability in the world,\" Rubio said.
He further emphasized that the United States does not support \"Taiwan independence\" and hopes that the Taiwan question can be resolved peacefully in a manner acceptable to both sides of the Taiwan Strait.
Concluding the conversation, Wang Yi called on big countries to act responsibly on the global stage. \"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
