What's new: China and the U.S. need to ensure a "smooth transition" of their relations to remove "disruptions and obstacles" before the U.S. presidential transition next month, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said Monday.
Speaking at an online discussion with a delegation of the U.S.-China Business Council in Beijing, Wang said "China-U.S relations are now at a critical historical juncture" for reversing a worsening trend.
"The top priority is that both countries should work together to remove all kinds of disruptions and obstacles and achieve a smooth transition in China-U.S. relations," the foreign minister said.
He urged that Washington and Beijing resume dialogue, bring ties back on track and rebuild mutual trust for the next stage of bilateral ties.
Why it matters: Wang's message is China's latest effort to pave the way for engagement with U.S. President-elect Joe Biden, who has been seen as a leader from the Democratic Party establishment favoring traditional diplomacy instead of confrontation.
During the online event, Wang reaffirmed China's position favoring U.S.-China relations that are based on "nonconflict, nonconfrontation, mutual respect and win-win cooperation."
He restated China's proposal for the two countries to "compile a list on dialogue, a list on cooperation and a list on managing differences."
President Xi Jinping formally congratulated former U.S. Vice President Joe Biden on his election in late November. So far, there has been no formal announcement from Biden's transition team on the direction of the incoming president's China policy.
Contact reporter Lu Zhenhua (zhenhualu@caixin.com) and editor Bob Simison (bobsimison@caixin.com).
