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February 10, 2017

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Letter from Trump welcomed by China

CHINA has welcomed US President Donald Trump’s desire for a “constructive relationship” expressed in a letter to Chinese President Xi Jinping.

Foreign ministry spokesman Lu Kang confirmed yesterday that China had received the letter, dated February 8, in which Trump extended his greetings ahead of the Lantern Festival.

Trump wrote that he looked forward to working with China to develop a constructive relationship.

Lu said: “China attaches great importance to developing the relationship with the United States.”

China is ready to work with the US side to expand cooperation and manage any differences guided by the principles of upholding non-conflict and non-confrontation, mutual respect and cooperation, so bilateral ties develop in a healthy and stable way, Lu said.

He added, as President Xi has said previously, that China and the US both had a responsibility to safeguard world peace and stability and promote global development and prosperity.

“Cooperation is the only right choice for China and the United States,” he said.

He dismissed suggestions Beijing had taken offense at the timing of the letter.

“It is known to all that since President Trump took office, China and the US have been in close contact,” Lu said.

Tomorrow’s Lantern Festival marks the first full moon of the new lunar year and falls on the 15th day of the first lunar month. It is one of China’s most important holidays.

Trump and Xi have yet to speak directly since the Republican took office on January 20, although they did talk soon after the US presidential election in November.

Trump upset China in December by taking a phone call from Taiwan leader Tsai Ing-wen.

He has also threatened to slap tariffs on Chinese imports, accusing Beijing of devaluing its currency and stealing US jobs.

China has repeatedly said it has smooth contacts with the Trump team.

The foreign ministry said last week the two countries were remaining “in close touch.”

That contact has been led by State Councillor Yang Jiechi.

Yang told Michael Flynn, Trump’s national security adviser, last week that China hopes it can work with the United States to manage and control disputes and sensitive problems.

Last week, US ties with staunch ally Australia became strained after the Washington Post published details about an acrimonious phone call between Trump and Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull.

Despite Trump’s confrontational image, Chinese Internet users have been expressing their delight at a brief video clip of his granddaughter singing in Chinese that circulated earlier this month.




 

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