China Emphasizes the Need for Stable Relations with the U.S.

Chinese Foreign Minister Qin Gang emphasized the necessity of "achieving stability in Chinese-American relations" on Monday, following a series of incorrect statements and actions that have led to a deterioration in relations. During a meeting in Beijing with U.S. Ambassador Nicholas Burns, he stated that "the United States must correct its approach to the Taiwan issue and refrain from stripping the 'One China' principle of its essence." The Chinese Foreign Ministry stated in a release that Qin told Burns, "A series of incorrect statements and actions by the United States has undermined the positive momentum that had been achieved." Relations between the world’s two largest economies deteriorated to their lowest levels last year when then-Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi made an official visit to self-governing Taiwan, which angered China, as it considers the island part of its territory.