Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said the sit-down with his American counterpart Marco Rubio in Kuala Lumpur on Friday had set the stage for deeper exchanges.
Advertisement
Speaking to Chinese media on Saturday, Wang said the talks had helped to manage US-China differences as the rival powers seek to manage tensions amid rising trade frictions. Both sides recognised that they represented the most important bilateral relationship in the world, with an impact beyond their respective borders, he added.
“The meeting was constructive, with both sides engaging in equal dialogue in the spirit of mutual respect,” Wang said, according to a statement from his ministry.
“I believe that it has enhanced the US’ understanding of China and paved the way for the next step of exchanges between the two countries’ diplomatic teams.”
The statement said Wang spoke to the Chinese press after attending the Asean and East Asia-related meetings in the Malaysian capital but did not say where the interaction took place.
Advertisement
Friday’s talks, Wang added, could be summarised as having strengthened engagement, prevented misjudgments, managed differences, and expanded cooperation between the two countries.