Xi urges US to respect China's core interests, properly handle differences

Strengthening dialogue and cooperation is the "correct choice" for China and the United States, President Xi Jinping told visiting US Vice-President Joe Biden on Wednesday.

He also urged the US to respect China's core interests.

Xi made the remarks amid rising tension in East Asia, triggered by competing territorial claims by China and Japan.

Japan's reaction to China's newly announced air defense identification zone was reported to be high on Biden's agenda.

"Both sides should keep the bilateral relationship going in the right direction, respect each other's core interests and major concerns, actively expand practical cooperation, and properly handle sensitive issues and differences," Xi told Biden at the meeting.

He reiterated China's stance on the air zone.