China hopes for cooperative partnership with Trump administration: ambassador

China hopes to forge an effective cooperative partnership with the Trump administration so as to carry forward China-U.S. relations, Chinese ambassador Cui Tiankai said Friday.

China expects to see a smooth transition of power in Washington, Cui told CNN's chief international correspondent Christiane Amanpour.

Asked to comment on Trump's threats during his campaign trail to impose high tariffs on Chinese imports and fight a trade war with China, Cui said China never wants to have any war, either trade war or other wars, with any country. "Besides, both China and the U.S. are members of the WTO (World Trade Organization), so we should both play by the WTO rules."

He said China-U.S. relations are based on and defined by growing common interests and mutual needs. "As far as the economic relation is concerned, I think it's a mutually beneficial one."

The two countries are cooperating with each other in many other areas, he said.

China and the United States have benefited a great deal from the growing relationship and enhanced cooperation in the past decades. "I'm confident this will continue," said the Chinese diplomat.

Commenting on Trump's claim that climate change was a Chinese-made hoax, Cui noted that both countries took lead in reaching a climate change deal in Paris.

"Climate change is a global challenge, and all countries should work together to responde to it. And whatever other countries may do or may not do, China will continue to make genuine efforts to respond to climate change to seek to realize green and sustainable development," said the Chinese ambassador.

On isolationist measures Trump has vowed, Cui said that multiple global challenges call for joint efforts of the international community, and that China hopes to see a continued important U.S. role.

With regard to Washington's future Asia-Pacific policy, Cui said the region has maintained general stability in the past few decades and is now the most economically dynamic region in the world.

"I think it will serve everybody's interests if we can continue to go forward on this track. China is ready and willing to work with any other partners for the continued stability and prosperity in the region, and we certainly see the U.S. as an important partner," he said.

Trump, the Republican candidate, won the Nov. 8 U.S. presidential race. He is to take office on January 20.

Chinese President Xi Jinping on Wednesday congratulated Trump on his victory, and said he hoped they could work together to boost China-U.S. relations. Xi said the two countries bear special responsibility of maintaining world peace and stability and boosting global development and prosperity. Endi