The head of the Chinese Communist Party’s Foreign Affairs Commission and member of the Political Bureau, Wang Yi, reiterated this purpose to the US Secretary of State, Antony Blinken, during a meeting in Indonesia.

Both diplomats spoke on the sidelines of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Foreign Ministers Meeting taking place in Jakarta.

Wang stressed the importance of removing obstacles to advance a stable China-U.S. relationship, saying that a rational and pragmatic attitude on the part of Washington will allow progress in this regard. He also urged expanding the channels of diplomatic and security exchanges, improving the effectiveness of communications and facilitating meetings between peoples.

Wang reiterated that Taiwan is an inalienable part of China and in this regard, insisted on non-interference in China’s internal affairs. He also demanded an end to the economic, commercial, scientific, and technological repression of China.

Blinken’s visit came amid tensions over Washington sanctions on Chinese companies and interference in issues such as Hong Kong, Taiwan and Tibet.

US Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen also recently visited China in an attempt to ease bilateral relations between the world’s two largest economies.

China recently confirmed the upcoming visit of US special envoy for climate change John Kerry, who will become the third high-ranking official from Washington to arrive in less than two months.

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