Xi Jinping meets Henry Kissinger, discusses US-China ties

Beijing, Dec 3: Chinese President Xi Jinping met with former US Secretary of State Henry Kissinger in Beijing, saying China will work closely with the US at a new to maintain the smooth transition of ties and stable growth.

Xi appreciated Kissinger's contribution to China-US relations over the past years, saying the stable growth of US-China ties meets the fundamental interests of the two nations and has helped with peace, stability and prosperity.

Kissinger told Xi that he believes it is the expectation of the US new administration to facilitate sustained, stable and better growth of US-China relations, Xinhua news agency reported.

"The development history of US-China ties since the forging of diplomatic ties has proven our common interests far outweigh the differences," Xi said.

In the nearly 90-minute meeting, Xi said the two countries should properly handle their different views and divergences in a constructive manner.

Kissinger, a regular visitor to China, said he hopes to continue efforts in boosting understanding and cooperation between the two countries.

As a trailblazer for US-China ties, Kissinger paid a secret visit to China in 1971 which paved way for the establishment of US-China diplomatic ties in 1979.