File photo: VCG

Fighting the still raging COVID-19 pandemic is the top priority of China and the US for the next stage of bilateral ties, the Chinese foreign minister told a US business delegation on Monday.

Wang Yi, also Chinese State Councilor, made the remarks before representatives of the board of directors of the US-China Business Council (USCBC) via video link.

When it comes to the pandemic, Wang said there is an urgency for the two countries to share and help each other, including COVID-19 diagnosis, PPE production, vaccines, and medication research and development. China would like to provide as much support to America's coronavirus fight as its ability permits.

Beyond the pandemic response, the two countries can also find common ground and collaborate in economic recovery and climate change, Wang stressed.

Wang said he expects and believes the US will resume an objective and rational attitude when dealing with issues related to China. The current bilateral ties have sharply dropped because of the Cold War mentality and ideological prejudice of some American politicians, said Wang.

Wang also urged the two countries to resume dialogue and rebuild trust, seeking breakthroughs and solutions to existing problems, whether strategic, long term ones, or specific issues.

He encouraged the researchers and business people of the two countries to enhance their communication and play a constructive role in promoting steady China-US relations.