China’s top diplomat in the United States has stressed the need for Beijing and Washington to be partners instead of rivals, saying stable bilateral ties are conducive to promoting world peace.

Xie Feng, Chinese ambassador to the US and a member of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference, also said on Thursday that it is important for Beijing to stand firm in defending its sovereignty, security and development interests.

Asked if the ongoing Iran war would affect high-level talks between China and the US, the diplomat said it is important for the two sides to implement the consensus reached by President Xi Jinping and his US counterpart Donald Trump.

Trump is expected to visit China at the end of the month.

“On the basis of mutual respect, peaceful coexistence and win-win cooperation advocated by President Xi, we should promote the stable, healthy and continued development of China-US relations,” Xie said on the sidelines of the “Two Sessions” meetings.

“These not only benefit people of the two countries, but also greatly promote world peace, stability and development.”

Xie cautioned against the “turbulent” global situation and said: “I wish the Chinese compatriots who are still in dangerous places can return home soon, and I wish peace to eventually overcome war.”



Edited by Thomas McAlinden