China expects to strengthen ties with U.S.

China on Thursday voiced its expectations that cooperation and bilateral ties with the new U.S. administration would continue to strengthen from a new starting point.

Foreign Ministry spokesperson Hua Chunying made the remarks at a daily press briefing Thursday in Beijing, one day ahead of U.S. President-elect Donald Trump's inauguration.

Calling China-U.S. ties one of the most important bilateral relations in the world, Hua said China looks forward to working with the new U.S. administration, following the principles of non-conflict, non-confrontation, mutual respect and win-win cooperation.

Noting the significant progress of China-U.S. ties during Barack Obama's eight years in office, Hua said the achievements show that the common interests between the two countries go far beyond their differences, and that cooperation can deliver benefits to the two countries as well as the world.

"Both sides should try to be friends and partners, rather than opponents or enemies," Hua said.

She also said that the two countries should always manage sensitive issues and differences in a constructive way and avoid misunderstandings.

"It is important to put yourself in the other's shoes, respect each others' core interests and major concerns, and avoid misunderstandings through in-depth communication and dialogue on the basis of equality and mutual respect," she said. Endi