US Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Thursday called on China and the United States to manage their relationship "responsibly" as he went on a charm offensive in Shanghai, ahead of talks with top central government officials in Beijing.

Blinken's visit to Shanghai has seen him sample local food, watch a basketball game and stroll along the city's famous Bund promenade.

In a meeting with Chen Jining, Communist Party Secretary of Shanghai, America's top diplomat said US President Joe Biden was committed to "direct and sustained" dialogue between the world's two largest economies after years of mounting tension.

"We have an obligation for our people, indeed an obligation to the world, to manage the relationship between our two countries responsibly," Blinken said.

“That is the obligation we have, and one that we take very seriously.”

Chen too stressed the need to build stable ties.

"Whether we choose cooperation or confrontation affects the well-being of both peoples, both countries and the future of humanity," he said.

Blinken on Thursday also met students at the Shanghai campus of New York University, where he voiced hope for more Americans to study in China.

He added that the US was committed to welcoming Chinese students.

Blinken also met American business leaders in Shanghai.

He then headed for Beijing, where he's expected to meet Foreign Minister Wang Yi and possibly President Xi Jinping on Friday. (AFP & agencies)