China FM calls for 'stable' U.S. ties on visit to weigh Xi summit

China seeks to "reduce misunderstanding" and "expand common ground" with the U.S. to "stabilize US-China relations." Biden and Blinken have stood firm on China, while Wang is likely seeking assurances for a "smooth glide path" for Xi's potential visit. U.S. and China have different views on "stable" ties, with U.S. applying pressure and China wanting U.S. to stop "provocations."

China's top diplomat voiced hope Thursday for more stable relations with the United States after months of turbulence as he paid a rare trip to Washington to prepare a potential visit by President Xi Jinping.

President Joe Biden has invited Xi to San Francisco next month to participate in the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit, but he has also stood firm on China in the run-up, keeping up a stream of targeted sanctions and staunchly backing US allies in disputes with Beijing.

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi began by meeting Secretary of State Antony Blinken, who told his guest that he looked forward to "constructive conversations" that included a closed-door dinner.

Wang told Blinken, who paid a visit to Beijing in June, that China wanted to "reduce misunderstanding."

China seeks to "expand common ground and pursue cooperation that will benefit both sides so that we can stabilize US-China relations and return them to the track of healthy, stable and sustainable development," Wang said.

Acknowledging that differences will still come up, Wang said that China would respond "calmly, because we are of the view that what is right and what is wrong is not determined by who has the stronger arm or the louder voice."

On Friday, Wang will speak at the White House with National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan. No meeting has been announced with Biden, but an encounter is widely expected after Xi received Blinken in Beijing.