Root causes of crisis should be addressed in bilateral ties, FM official says

China and the United States should prevent and avert crises and eliminate the root causes of crisis in bilateral ties, Vice-Foreign Minister Xie Feng said on Tuesday.

Xie made the comments at a press briefing after the virtual meeting between President Xi Jinping and his US counterpart Joe Biden.

High-level officials and relevant departments responsible for foreign and defense affairs from both countries should maintain and strengthen communication, Xie said.

"Fire extinguishing is important, but fire prevention also cannot be ignored, and inflammables and explosives should be cleared regularly in a timely manner," Xie said.

He pointed out the establishment of rules and guardrails in bilateral ties should be based on negotiation and abided by both sides on an equal footing, rather than one imposing conditions or requirements on the other.