Xi pledges continuing to work with U.S. on major regional, global issues

Chinese President Xi Jinping pledged to continue to join hands with the U.S. to tackle major regional and global issues, as he sets off his state visit to the U.S. on Tuesday.

In a written interview with Wall Street Journal, Xi said China and the U.S., as permanent member of the UN Security Council, shoulder important responsibility of upholding regional and world peace and security, and the two countries' interests converge in a broad range of areas.

"China and the U.S. have been engaged in close coordination and cooperation in addressing various regional and international issues as well as global challenges, ranging from the Korean nuclear issue and the Iranian nuclear issue to Palestine-Israel peace talks, South Sudan, climate change and major epidemic diseases," Xi said.

Despite differences in the two countries' thinking on and approach to some issues, Xi said "differences are the reason why we should complement each other and find best solutions to issues".

China adheres to the principles of equality, fairness and justice in addressing regional and international issues, opposes arbitrary interference in other countries' internal affairs, and stands for resolving issues through consultation.

In addressing regional and international issues, China bases its position and policy on the merit of each particular case and endeavors to uphold justice.

China pursues an independent foreign policy of peace and is committed to world peace and common development, Xi said. "In today's world, it is impossible for China to develop on its own; only when the world thrives can China prosper."

"China has never been absent in efforts to promote world economic recovery, seek political settlement of international and regional hotspots and respond to various global problems and challenges," Xi said, adding that this is both the international community's expectation as well as China's responsibility.

On the Iranian nuclear issue, Xi said the recent political settlement represents a major achievement of the international community and China will work with all parties involved to ensure the deal is fully implemented.

Responding to the Korean nuclear issue, Xi said China's position for denuclearization is firm and clear-cut and the denuclearization, peace and stability of the Korean Peninsula should be achieved through peaceful means.

He pledged that China will maintain close communication and coordination with the U.S. and relevant parties to properly address issues relating to the Korean Peninsula and ensure long-term stability of Northeast Asia. Endi