Mar 22, 2017
On his recent trip to China, U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson said "it is important that the leaders of our two countries engage in further dialogue to develop a common understanding that will guide our relationship for the next half-century.”
“The United States and China,” he added, “are the world's two largest economies, and we must both promote stability and growth. Our two countries should have a positive trading relationship that is fair and pays dividends both ways, and we will be working on that going forth."
Secretary Tillerson discussed the importance of safeguarding stability and security in Northeast Asia and the Asia Pacific region.
"We noted that efforts made over the last 20 years have so far not succeeded in curbing the threat posed by North Korea's illegal weapons programs," said Mr. Tillerson. "Because China's stated policy is denuclearization of the Korean peninsula, we renewed our determination to work together to convince the North Korean Government to choose a better path and a different future for its people."
Secretary Tillerson stressed "the importance of upholding a rules-based order in dealing with maritime disputes [in the South China Sea] and freedom of navigation and overflight."
He also made clear that "the United States will continue to advocate for universal values such as human rights and religious freedom" for the Chinese people.