U.S. Secretary of State Meets with Chinese President

The U.S. Secretary of State has met with the President of the People's Republic of China. The relationship between the two countries has undergone new developments since Donald Trump took office, particularly due to his criticisms of China's economic policies and its approach to the North Korean crisis. On March 20, after meeting with Rex Tillerson, the Chinese President Xi Jinping welcomed the 'progress' made during Tillerson's visit to China and expressed hope that the relationship between the two countries would enter a new phase. Tillerson stated that Donald Trump places 'great value' on the communications that have been established. According to the U.S. Secretary of State, Washington believes that through further negotiations, a better understanding can be achieved, which will strengthen the relationship between the two sides and guide the future of their cooperation. Xi also mentioned that Tillerson has made significant efforts to ensure that the transition to a new era of relations between Beijing and Washington occurs peacefully. The Chinese President addressed Tillerson, saying, 'You said that the relationship between China and the U.S. is defined only among good relations... I look upon these words with respect.' Xi also emphasized that he has been in contact with Trump several times and expressed hope that 'a new era of constructive progress' in relations awaits both countries. The meeting between Rex Tillerson and Xi Jinping was the final stage of the U.S. Secretary of State's visit to China. This meeting coincided with North Korea's announcement that it had tested an advanced 'rocket engine,' which is expected to be part of Pyongyang's efforts to develop intercontinental ballistic missiles capable of reaching U.S. soil. Alongside his criticisms of China's economic policies, Trump has also criticized its approach to North Korea and the 'lack of effort' to resolve the crisis stemming from Pyongyang's nuclear and military activities. During Tillerson's visit to Beijing, these criticisms were reflected on Trump's Twitter page, where he wrote, 'North Korea's behavior is very bad. They have been 'playing' with the United States for years. China has done very little to help (in this regard).' Recently, the Chinese Foreign Minister described the situation on the Korean Peninsula as 'critical' and urged Pyongyang to suspend its missile and nuclear activities as a first step towards resolving the issue. Beijing has also called for a halt to U.S. military exercises in the region in response to Pyongyang's actions and for all parties to return to the negotiation process. The U.S. has rejected the idea of halting its military exercises and activities in allied countries in East Asia in exchange for North Korea's agreement to cease its military and nuclear activities, both during Barack Obama's administration and the current one. Economic relations, monetary policies, Trump's phone conversation with Taiwan's President, the THAAD missile defense system in South Korea, and China's expanding military presence in the South China Sea are among other issues where Washington and Beijing have significant disagreements.