Xi says problems in China-U.S. relations not afraid

BEIJING, July 9  -- Chinese President Xi Jinping said Wednesday that problems in China-U.S. relations are not to be afraid of as long as both sides work to solve them.

Xi made the remarks at the joint opening ceremony of the sixth China-U.S. Strategic and Economic Dialogue and the fifth China-U.S. High-Level Consultation on People-to-People Exchange.

"Building a new model of major-country relationship between China and the United States is unprecedented in history. There is no ready-made experience from which to learn," he said.

During a meeting between Xi and U.S. President Barack Obama in California in June 2013, they decided to build such a new-model relationship featuring no conflict and no confrontation, mutual respect and win-win cooperation.

The consensus proceeds from the conditions of the two countries and the world and serves the fundamental interests of the peoples, Xi said, adding it is a strategic decision and reflects the two countries' will to avoid friction between major powers.

Xi called on both sides to keep up with the times in developing bilateral relations. China and the United States have overcome difficulties and continued to progress in the past 35 years, thanks to the leaderships' understanding of contemporary conditions, he said.

"Today, our two countries should better observe the times and think creatively to open new prospects in bilateral cooperation," Xi added.