Senior Chinese, US diplomats exchange views on bilateral relations

Washington, The Gulf Observer: Senior Chinese and U.S. diplomats have had a candid, in-depth and constructive exchange of views on bilateral relations, the regional situation in the Asia-Pacific, respective regional policies and international and regional issues of mutual interest, according to the Chinese Foreign Ministry.

In a statement released on Friday, the ministry said Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Sun Weidong, according to common understandings between the two parties and at the invitation of the U.S. side, held the consultation on Asia-Pacific affairs with U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for East Asian and Pacific Affairs Daniel Kritenbrink in Washington, D.C., on Wednesday.

Sun expounded on China’s position on the Taiwan question and emphasized that the one-China principle is the bedrock of peace and stability across the Taiwan Straits.

He also stated China’s position on the so-called “Indo-Pacific Strategy” by the U.S. and on the South China Sea.

The Chinese side emphasized that sound interactions between China and the U.S. in the Asia-Pacific serve the interests of both countries and meet the common expectations of regional countries, according to the statement. The two sides agreed to maintain communication on Asia-Pacific affairs.

Sun also met with U.S. Acting Deputy Secretary of State Victoria Nuland on Wednesday.