Wang Yi, Rubio discuss high-level exchanges in phone call

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi held a phone conversation with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Thursday, with the two sides discussing high-level interactions between their countries.

Wang, who is also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, said China-U.S. relations had for some time been moving forward broadly along the track of constructive strategic stability set by the two heads of state, a course he said meets the expectations of the international community.

Describing head-of-state diplomacy as the anchor of the bilateral relationship, Wang said the two sides should prepare for the next stage of high-level exchanges in a spirit of equality, respect and mutual benefit.

He called for stronger communication, progress in cooperation, management of differences and respect for each other's core interests, adding that the two countries should send a positive signal that they are committed to advancing a constructive relationship of strategic stability and to jointly promoting world peace and development.

The two officials also exchanged views on the situation in the Middle East and other issues.