BEIJING — China's top diplomat, Wang Yi, emphasized the advantages of engaging with the United States on Sunday, hinting at preparations for a forthcoming meeting between the leaders of the two nations. The context includes ongoing challenges regarding the situation in Iran and trade tariffs.
"The agenda of high-level exchanges is already on the table," Wang stated at the press conference, speaking in Mandarin, with an official translation provided. "It's now crucial for both parties to make comprehensive preparations, foster a conducive environment, handle existing risks, and eliminate unnecessary disruptions."
He further remarked, "Turning our backs on each other would only lead to mutual misperception and miscalculation. Sliding into conflict or confrontation would only drag the whole world down."
Following a personal meeting in South Korea during the fall, Chinese President Xi Jinping and U.S. President Donald Trump have expressed intentions to visit each other's countries.
President Trump is set to visit China from March 31 to April 2, marking the first visit by a sitting U.S. president since 2017. However, Beijing has yet to confirm the exact dates for Trump's visit. Wang did not provide further details but emphasized that interactions between the U.S. and Chinese presidents serve as "an important strategic safeguard" for advancing and strengthening the China-U.S. relationship.