Chinese, US top diplomats hold phone talks

BEIJING (Xinhua) - Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi on Tuesday held phone talks with US Secretary of State John Kerry to discuss bilateral relations, the situation on the Korean Peninsula, and the situation in the South China Sea and East China Sea.

During the talks, Wang said it is an important consensus reached by the two countries' heads of state to facilitate the construction of a new type of major-country relationship, which is in the interests of both China and the United States.

The two sides should strengthen cooperation and eliminate barriers to ensure the healthy, smooth development of bilateral ties, he added.

He said that as China and the United States would soon hold a series of important exchanges, the two sides should closely coordinate to push for positive results.

Kerry said his country is willing to keep communication and cooperation with China on major issues in line with the spirit of the new type of major-country relationship.

On the situation on the Korean Peninsula, Wang said China insists on realizing denuclearization, safeguarding peace and stability, and solving relevant issues on the peninsula through dialogue and negotiations.

All parties should show calm and restraint to promote mutual trust and de-escalate tensions, so as to create necessary conditions for resuming the Six-Party Talks, he said.

China is ready to continuously make unremitting efforts on the issue, he said.

Kerry said his country will firmly push forward the denuclearization on the peninsula, adding that Washington is also willing to keep close communication and coordination with Beijing.

As for the current situation in the South China Sea and East China Sea, Wang briefed Kerry on the historical context, facts and China's stand on relevant issues.

He urged the US side to hold an objective, just and fair view, honor its commitments, and speak and act cautiously, so as to avoid encouraging some parties concerned to take provocative acts.

Kerry said that on the issue of territorial sovereignty, the US takes neither positions nor sides, and has no intention to make any judgment.

The United States hopes all parties will properly handle the issue to maintain peace and stability in the region, said the secretary of state.