The atmosphere of a phone call between President Xi Jinping and his US counterpart Donald Trump on Monday was "positive, friendly and constructive," Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning said.

Mao told a regular press briefing on Tuesday that the US had initiated the call.

She said the Chinese and US heads of state have maintained frequent interactions since Trump began his second term earlier this year.

Mao added that communication between the two heads of state on issues of mutual interest plays a vital role in the stable development of bilateral relations.

Trump touted relations with China as "extremely strong" following the call. (Xinhua and agencies)