China welcomes new U.S. envoy, urges cooperation amidst bilateral tensions

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi met with newly appointed U.S. Ambassador to China David Perdue on Tuesday, welcoming him to his post and emphasising the crucial need for dialogue, cooperation, and mutual respect to navigate the current "important and critical juncture" in bilateral relations.

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi on Tuesday extended a warm welcome to David Perdue, the new United States Ambassador to China, expressing hope that he will play an active role in fostering the healthy, steady, and sustainable development of bilateral relations.

During their meeting in Beijing, Wang, who is also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, conveyed his expectation that Perdue would serve as a "reliable communicator, a mediator of differences and a promoter of cooperation" between the two global powers.

Wang underscored that China-U.S. relations are currently at a pivotal moment. Reflecting on nearly half a century of diplomatic ties, he highlighted that the most significant lesson learned is that "equality and respect are the prerequisites for exchanges between the two sides, and dialogue and cooperation are the only correct choice."

The Chinese Foreign Minister also addressed recent frustrations, noting that while China has "earnestly and strictly implemented the consensus reached by both sides" after economic and trade talks in Geneva, the United States has regrettably introduced "a series of negative measures for groundless reasons, infringing upon China's legitimate rights and interests." Wang reiterated China's firm opposition to such actions.

Wang urged the U.S. side to "meet China halfway" and earnestly implement the important consensus reached by the two heads of state during their phone call in January this year, which he believes is essential for guiding bilateral relations back onto the right track.
 
For his part, Ambassador Perdue conveyed President Donald Trump's "great respect for President Xi Jinping," stressing the importance of maintaining positive and constructive exchanges between the two leaders. Perdue affirmed his commitment, as the U.S. ambassador, to maintaining close communication with the Chinese side in a spirit of mutual respect and attentive dialogue.

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