China, US agree to work for greater development of relations

On Friday, Acting Spokesperson Mark Toner of the US Department of State Office of the Spokesperson said, "Secretary Tillerson and Minister Wang noted the recent call between leaders and discussed efforts to advance bilateral cooperation while addressing differences in a constructive manner."

The two also discussed the need to create a level playing field for trade and investment, according to Toner.

Tillerson reiterated the US stance to abide by the one-China policy, which carries specific significance, not only to the bilateral relationship, but also to regional stability and development.

The US secretary of state said the US looked forward to working with China to conduct high-level exchanges, facilitate understanding, and maintain, improve and consolidate mutual dialogue and cooperation mechanisms in all fields.

Tillerson also expressed the US's hope for strengthened cooperation with China in areas such as economy, finance and security as well as pushing for greater development of bilateral ties.

Wang and Tillerson also exchanged views over the nuclear issue on the Korean peninsula.

Ruan Zongze, vice-president of the China Institute of International Studies, said "the talks further clarified the new US administration's China policies", and Tillerson's reaffirming the one-China policy helps dismiss widespread doubts over the bilateral ties.

Ruan said many international issues, including the Korean Peninsula nuclear issue and Syria, need renewed coordination between China and the US.

Wu Xinbo, director of the Center for American Studies at Fudan University in Shanghai, said the meeting was pragmatic and indicates that key mechanisms, such as the China-US Strategic and Economic Dialogue, will continue in previous or similar forms.