China, US signal willingness to stabilize ties

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio held a phone conversation during which the two sides discussed reducing tensions and advancing a more stable bilateral relationship.

Wang said China and the United States should "remove disruptions, overcome obstacles, and stay firmly on the right course toward building a constructive bilateral relationship of strategic stability," Xinhua reports.

Wang, who is also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, said that Chinese President Xi Jinping and US President Donald Trump reached "a series of common understandings" in Beijing in May, including on building "a constructive bilateral relationship of strategic stability." He said the agreements "have provided strategic guidance and set the direction for the development of bilateral ties over the next three years and beyond."

"Building a constructive bilateral relationship of strategic stability reflects the aspirations of the two peoples, meets the expectations of the international community, and serves the fundamental interests of both countries," Wang said.

He stressed that both countries should "always uphold the spirit of equality, respect and mutual benefit" and translate the consensus reached by the two leaders into "specific policies and practical measures."

"Building a constructive bilateral relationship of strategic stability is not just a slogan and it requires action," Wang said, calling on both sides to "move in the same direction and make persistent efforts."

To achieve that goal, he said, China and the United States should "extend the cooperation list, create more positive agendas," while simultaneously narrowing "the list of problems" and managing "various risks and hidden dangers."

Addressing one of the most sensitive issues in bilateral relations, Wang said the Taiwan question carries "far-reaching implications" and urged the United States to handle Taiwan-related matters "with extra prudence."

According to the Chinese readout, both sides described the phone conversation as "positive and constructive" and agreed to jointly implement the important consensus reached by the two heads of state while maintaining communication through flexible channels.

By Vafa Guliyeva