China and US can overcome frictions with co-operation, says Li Keqiang
Ties between China and the US would remain strong as long as both sides kept the focus on their common interests instead of the differences, Premier Li Keqiang has said.
Ties between China and the US would remain strong as long as both sides kept the focus on their common interests instead of the differences, Premier Li Keqiang has said.
Li acknowledged frictions between the world's two biggest economies, but said they shared interests and called for mutual respect of core concerns.
It is only natural that these two countries have some differences and frictions
"Wise people will seek a common interest, while unwise ones will focus on the differences," Li said at the end of the National People's Congress in Beijing.
"As long as the two sides respect each other's core interests and major concerns, properly manage their differences and engage in equal consultations, in particular continuing to expand their converging interests, these two countries will be able to further raise the level of their relationship."
Sino-US ties have been strained in recent years due to territorial disputes between China and its neighbours.
Washington is concerned regional security is threatened by China's increasingly assertive tone over its sovereignty claims in the East China and South China seas. Beijing fears its dominance in the Asia Pacific region will be contained by the US "pivot" towards Asia.
"China and the US are different in history, culture and stage of development," Li said. "So it is only natural that these two countries have some differences and frictions in the course of their co-operation."
