New Chinese Ambassador To USA Seeks To Strengthen US-China Cooperation

Xie Feng, China's new ambassador to Washington, stated on  May 23 that he will seek to strengthen China-US cooperation, but that relations face serious challenges.

"I've come here to protect China's interests." "This is my sacred responsibility," Xie told reporters after landing at John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York City.

"I'm also the envoy of the Chinese people, so I've come here to enhance China-US exchanges and cooperation," said Xie, who has earned a reputation for harsh criticism of US actions as relations between the strategic rivals have deteriorated over issues ranging from Taiwan to trade.

Xie, 59, was most recently a vice foreign minister in charge of policy towards the United States.

In his brief remarks before departing the airport and boarding a van, Xie stated that the two countries' relations face "serious difficulties and challenges." According to Chinese officials, he will be driven to Washington.

Xie, a fluent English speaker who had previously been posted twice to China's embassy in Washington, lodged China's formal denunciation in February, accusing Washington of "obstinately" shooting down what it suspected was a Chinese spy balloon after its flight over the United States sparked a diplomatic crisis.

According to Beijing, it was a civilian airship.

The United States, according to State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller, welcomed Xie's arrival.

"We look forward to working with the ambassador designate and his team. We remain committed, as we said on a number of occasions, to maintain channels of communication with the PRC (People's Republic of China) to responsibly manage competition," Miller said.