Washington, 17 November 2024 (dpa/MIA) - Chinese President Xi Jinping on Saturday said he is seeking a stable relationship between Beijing and Washington as he met US President Joe Biden on the sidelines of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit in Peru.

The encounter was the first face-to-face meeting between the two leaders in a year. Tensions between the world's two largest economies have led to minimal communication at this level over recent years.

China is willing to work with the new US administration under Donald Trump, Xi said, according to pool reporters in Lima.

"The United States has recently concluded its elections," Xi told Biden during his opening remarks. "China's goal of a stable, healthy and sustainable China US relationship remains unchanged."

"China is ready to work with the new US administration to maintain communication, expand cooperation and manage differences, so as to strive for a steady transition of the China-US relationship for the benefit of the two peoples."

The meeting was overshadowed by Trump, who will replace Biden in the White House in January after winning the US election. The Republican during his presidential campaign pledged to introduce far-reaching new tariffs on goods from China.

During his first term in office between 2017 and 2021, Trump took a hard line on China, imposing duties on Chinese imports. Biden maintained these levies.

China responded with some countermeasures, such as export controls on key raw materials, but observers say it is now better prepared should Trump make good on his campaign promise.

MIA file photo