"China's goal of a stable, healthy and sustainable China-US relationship remains unchanged," Xi Jinping said during the first talks between the two leaders in seven months.

He also acknowledged the "ups and downs" between the two countries, adding: "China is willing to work with the new US administration to maintain communication, expand cooperation and manage differences."

President Biden told Xi Jinping that the two leaders did not always agree on issues, but their discussions were "frank" and "honest."

Noting that humanity is facing unprecedented challenges in this turbulent world, Xi Jinping said competition among major countries should not be the inevitable law of the times; only solidarity and cooperation can help humanity overcome current difficulties.

Xi Jinping said that in an era of rapid development of new scientific and technological revolution and industrial transformation, neither decoupling nor disruption of supply chains is the solution; only mutually beneficial cooperation can lead to the development of the two countries and promote the common interests of mankind.

As two major countries, China and the United States should keep in mind the interests of the whole world and inject more certainty and positive energy into this volatile world, he added.

"When our two countries treat each other as partners and friends, seek common ground while setting aside differences and helping each other succeed, our relationship will make significant progress."

"But if we regard each other as rivals or enemies, pursue fierce competition and seek to hurt each other, we will damage the relationship or even break it," Xi Jinping stressed.

The Chinese president also pledged to cooperate with the new administration of US President-elect Donald Trump in talks that also saw the two leaders discuss other key topics, from cybercrime, trade, Taiwan to the war in Ukraine.

The talks took place two months before Mr Trump took office, who had vowed to impose a 60% tariff on all imports from China as part of an “America First” trade package.

Xi Jinping, who arrived in Lima on Thursday, is on a week-long diplomatic tour of South America, including signing a new free trade agreement with Peru, inaugurating the country's giant Chancay deep-water port, and will travel to Brazil for a state visit and attend the G20 summit.

Huy Hoang (according to Xinhua News Agency, Reuters)