Xi tells Blinken US, China must be 'partners, not rivals'

Chinese President Xi Jinping on Friday told top U.S. diplomat Antony Blinken that the world's two biggest economies should be "partners, not rivals", adding that there were a "number of issues" to be resolved in their relations.

"The two countries should be partners, not rivals," Xi said, according to state broadcaster CCTV, adding: "There are still a number of issues that need to be resolved, and there is still room for further efforts."

Xi also told Blinken that he hopes the United States will take a "positive view" of his country's.

"We hope the U.S. can also take a positive view of China's development," Xi said, according to state broadcaster CCTV, adding: "when this fundamental problem is solved... relations can truly stabilize, get better, and move forward".

Blinken earlier held a meeting with counterpart Wang Yi for more than five and a half hours, which the U.S. diplomat called "extensive and constructive".

During the meeting, China's foreign minister warned Blinken that U.S. pressure could trigger a "downward spiral".