China’s new ambassador to the US Xie Feng arrives in New York. Photo: CCTV News

China’s new ambassador to the US Xie Feng vowed to face up to the current difficulties within China-US relations and live up to his mission when he arrived in New York on Tuesday, assuming the position as the country’s 12th envoy to the US. 

“I am a representative of the Chinese people and I am here to defend China’s interests, this is my sacred duty,” Xie told reporters at the airport. He also noted that his mission is to promote exchanges and cooperation between the two countries. 

Currently, China-US relations are beset with serious difficulties and confronted with severe challenges. “I take this as both a glorious mission and a heavy responsibility. My colleagues and I will face up to difficulties, fulfill our responsibilities, and live up to our mission,” Xie said. 

Known as a specialist on China-US relations, Xie has vast experience in handling US-related affairs. Chinese President Xi Jinping put forward the three-point principles of mutual respect, peaceful coexistence, and win-win cooperation, which are the fundamental way for China and the US to get along correctly in the new era, Xie said.  

It’s the hope that the US and China will meet each other halfway, proceed from the common interests of the two countries and the people of the world, work together in this direction, properly handle important and sensitive matters such as the Taiwan question in accordance with the principles of the three China-US joint communiqués, Xie noted. The two sides are expected to strengthen dialogue, manage differences, promote cooperation, and strive to return China-US relations to the right track, he added. 

“The last time I worked here in the US was 13 years ago. During the past 13 years, the world has changed a lot, as did the US,” Xie said. He also expressed a willingness to have extensive contacts with people from all walks of life in the US and to observe and understand the US closely in order to promote exchanges and cooperation.