China's new ambassador to Washington, Xie Feng, said on Tuesday that he will seek to enhance China-US cooperation, but that relations face serious challenges.
I have come here to safeguard China's interests. This is my sacred responsibility, said Xie, who was on board the plane at the John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York City.
I'm also the envoy of Chinese people, so I've come here to enhance China-US exchanges and cooperation, Xie said, who has gained a reputation for blunt rebukes of US actions as ties between the strategic rivals have deteriorated over issues ranging from Taiwan to trade.
Xie, 59, served as a vice-secretary of foreign policy in China for over a decade and has been a leading figure in China's foreign policy.
The two countries' relations are grappling with serious problems and challenges, Xie said.
We hope that the United States will work together with China to increase dialogue, manage differences, and also expand our cooperation so that our relationship will be back to the right track, he said. China's foreign minister said he would be driven to Washington.