China's top diplomat meets U.S. ambassador to China

China's top diplomat Wang Yi met with U.S. Ambassador to China David Perdue in Beijing on Tuesday and expressed hope that he would promote healthy, steady, and sustainable bilateral relations, Xinhua News Agency reported.

Wang, a member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and Chinese foreign minister, welcomed the new U.S. ambassador Perdue to his new post and expressed hope that he would serve as a trustworthy communicator, a mediator of differences, and a promoter of cooperation between the two countries. Wang said that Perdue could play a positive role in promoting the healthy, steady, and sustainable development of China-U.S. relations.

Wang noted that China-U.S. relations are at a critical juncture. Reflecting on nearly half a century of diplomatic ties, he said the most important lesson learned is that equality and mutual respect tare the foundation for engagement, and dialogue and cooperation are the only right choices.

Wang emphasized that following recent economic and trade talks in Geneva, China has implemented the consensus reached by both sides in a serious and rigorous manner. However, Wang expressed regret over a series of recent negative actions taken by the U.S. under what he called baseless pretexts, which he said harmed China's legitimate rights and interests. China firmly opposes such actions, he added, calling on the U.S. to move toward China and earnestly implement the important consensus reached during the phone call between the two heads of state in January this year. He said both sides should create the necessary conditions to bring bilateral relations back on track.

Ambassador Perdue said U.S. President Donald Trump holds great respect for Chinese President Xi Jinping. It is crucial that the two leaders maintain positive and constructive engagement, Perdue said, according to a release on the website of Chinese foreign ministry.

As U.S. Ambassador to China, Perdue said he is committed to maintaining close communication with the Chinese side in the spirit of mutual respect and mutual listening.