China’s new ambassador urges U.S. to enhance dialogue, manage differences

Washington, The Gulf Observer: Xie Feng, China’s new ambassador to the United States, on Tuesday urged Washington to work with China to enhance dialogue, manage differences and promote cooperation, so as to put China-U.S. relations back on the right track.

“As a representative of the Chinese people, I have come here to safeguard the interests of China, and I take this as my sacred responsibility,” said Xie in brief remarks to the media upon his arrival at John F. Kennedy International Airport Tuesday afternoon.

“As an envoy of the Chinese people, I have come here to enhance China-U.S. exchanges and cooperation, and I take this as my important mission,” he added.

Noting that the China-U.S. relationship is faced with “serious difficulties and challenges,” he pledged to carry out responsibilities and live up to the mission with diligence and fortitude.

Reiterating the three principles of mutual respect, peaceful coexistence and win-win cooperation, the Chinese leader has put forward in terms of China-U.S. relations, Xie said they represent the fundamental and right way for the two countries to get along with each other in the new era.

“We hope that the United States will move in the same direction with China, and act in the common interests of the two peoples and the world, properly handling important and sensitive issues, such as the Taiwan question in accordance with the principles in the three Sino-U.S. joint communiques,” he added.

Xie, 59, is seen as a veteran diplomat and U.S. expert. He last worked at the Chinese Embassy in the United States from 2008 to 2010.

Recalling his last post in Washington, he said upon his arrival on Tuesday that the world as well as the U.S. has gone through great changes.

“During my posting, I look forward to engaging extensively with the American people from all walks of life, observing and hearing about the country at a close distance, and exploring ways to deepen exchanges and cooperation,” he said.

The ambassador voiced hope to “make friends” with the media and people from other sectors.

“Let us work together to contribute to China-U.S. relations with insights and actions and courage and grit.”

Xie is the 12th Chinese ambassador to the United States. His predecessor Qin Gang, now China’s State Councilor and Foreign Minister, left the U.S. in January.

Upon his arrival to begin the tenure, the new Chinese ambassador also sent separate letters to the Chinese community and the Chinese students in the United States, extending his greetings and best wishes.

According to the Chinese embassy, Xie said in the letter that the Chinese community in the United States is a bridge that connects the two countries and has a stake in China-U.S. relations, and expects their “valuable” support and contribution for the bilateral ties.

He also praised the Chinese students’ overcoming of a slew of difficulties to purse their study and research in a country across the Pacific, and encouraged them to “present a true China to their American friends.”

“In all of you, I see the fortitude and perseverance that define the Chinese nation. I am truly proud of you,” Xie said in the letter addressed to the students.