State Councilor Yang Jiechi met with US National Security Advisor Susan Rice on Feb 25 in New York and discussed preparations to ensure the success of President Xi Jinping’s state visit to the US in September.

Yang highlighted that President Xi raised a number of important points with US President Barack Obama during a recent phone conversation concerning the construction of a new type of major-country relationship between China and the US.

Yang said both countries should implement the consensus reached by the two nations’ leaders, enhance bilateral exchanges at various levels and respect each other’s core interests and major concerns. They should also actively explore pragmatic cooperation in various fields, properly handle differences and issues of sensitivity to further boost China-US ties in the coming year.

Rice said that the US is willing to strengthen contacts and cooperation at various levels in accordance with the consensus reached by the two presidents, and jointly tackle regional and global challenges.

The US will also approach differences between the two nations in a sincere and constructive manner and maintain the momentum of bilateral ties, she added.

Regarding the Korean Peninsula nuclear issue, Yang stressed that China adheres to the principles of denuclearization and peaceful settlement through dialogue and negotiations, to maintain peace and stability on the peninsula.

He expressed his hope that related parties will exercise restraint, avoid provocative rhetoric and acts, and jointly maintain peace and stability on the peninsula.

On the Iranian nuclear issue, Yang reiterated China’s stance, hoping all related parties will keep the overall situation in mind, show flexibility, and achieve a comprehensive agreement as soon as possible.