Washington (People's Daily) - Chinese Ambassador to the United States Qin Gang met with U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Wendy R. Sherman on Thursday.

Chinese Ambassador to the United States Qin Gang (R) meets with U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Wendy R. Sherman in Washington, D.C., Aug. 12, 2021. (Photo credit: Chinese Embassy in the United States)

Sherman expressed welcome to Qin for assuming office and stated that the Department of State will provide convenience and support for the ambassador's performance of duties in the United States.

Qin thanked the U.S. side for providing support and assistance for him. He pointed out that the China-U.S. relationship is at a new crossroads. He will follow the spirit of the telephone conversation between President Xi Jinping and President Joe Biden on the eve of Chinese New Year, enhance communication and dialogue with the U.S. side, and work to promote a rational, stable, manageable and constructive China-U.S. relationship.

The two sides exchanged views on issues of mutual interest and agreed to maintain close dialogue and communication.

"The two sides held in-depth and candid discussions," said Qin when responding to questions from the media after the meeting.

"Both sides agreed that China-U.S. relations are very important, and it is necessary for the two sides to resolve issues through dialogue and communication, properly manage differences and disagreements, and improve the bilateral relations," said Qin.

Qin emphasized that the Taiwan question is the most important and sensitive issue in China-U.S. relations. He said he clearly stated China's position on the issue to Sherman in the meeting.