President Xi Jinping has urged the United States to revoke the negative measures taken against China, and called for Sino-US exchanges across various fields such as diplomacy, trade and economy, military, and law enforcement, in order to foster mutual understanding, reduce miscalculation and enhance cooperation.
Xi made the remarks on Thursday during a telephone conversation with US President Donald Trump, which was held at Trump's request. This is the first time the two heads of state held phone talks since the US launched a tariff war on April 2.
The US administration imposed high additional tariffs on China, prompting Beijing to take strong countermeasures. In May, the two sides held the first round of high-level economic and trade talks in Geneva, Switzerland, and reached an agreement to pause the implementation of the tariffs for 90 days to allow further negotiations.
However, trade negotiations between China and the US were stalled shortly after the Geneva talks. Recently, the US announced imposing restrictions on advanced chip sales to China and revoked visas for Chinese students.
During his phone talks with Trump on Thursday, Xi said that recalibrating the direction of the giant ship of China-US relations requires the two sides to take the helm and set the right course, adding that it is particularly important to steer clear of various disturbances and disruptions.
He said the high-level trade talks in Geneva were a significant step toward resolving economic and trade issues through dialogue and negotiation, demonstrating that dialogue and cooperation are the only right choice for China and the US to address such issues.
Xi called on both sides to make good use of established economic and trade consultation mechanisms, treat each other with equality, respect each other's concerns, and strive for win-win results. He reiterated China's sincerity and principled approach.
Underscoring China's commitment to its words and actions, Xi said both sides should honor the agreement reached.
China has diligently implemented the agreement following the Geneva talks, and the US side should objectively view the progress that has been made and revoke any negative measures imposed on China, he said.
Xi also cautioned the US to handle the Taiwan question prudently, so that fringe separatists bent on "Taiwan independence "are not able to drag China and the US into the dangerous terrain of confrontation, or even conflict.
Trump expressed his deep respect for Xi, highlighting the significance of US-China relations. He said the US welcomes China's robust economic growth and believes in the potential for fruitful cooperation between the two nations.
Trump affirmed the US' adherence to the one-China policy.
He acknowledged the success of the high-level economic and trade talks between the two countries in Geneva, saying the US is willing to work with China to implement the agreement.
Trump also said that Chinese students are welcome to study in the US.
Xi welcomed Trump to visit China again, for which Trump expressed his appreciation.
Both leaders agreed that their teams should continue implementing the points of consensus reached in Geneva and promptly engage in another round of talks.
