China’s top diplomat, Yang Jiechi, will start a two-day trip to the United States on Monday, according to state media.
State Councillor Yang was making the trip at the invitation of the US government and would discuss issues of mutual concern with senior American officials, Xinhua quoted foreign ministry spokesman Lu Kang as saying on Sunday.
Yang’s trip comes more than a fortnight after President Xi Jinping and his US counterpart, Donald Trump, had their first phone conversation since the US presidential inauguration.
During the call, Trump reportedly reaffirmed the US’ commitment to the one-China policy, which recognises Taiwan as part of China.
Xinhua said Yang’s visit was meant to reaffirm the tone of bilateral relations set by the two heads of state during their phone call.
Yang’s visit would coincide with the 45th anniversary of former US president Richard Nixon’s ice-breaking visit to China in 1972, Xinhua said. The trip paved the way for Beijing and Washington to officially establish diplomatic ties in 1979.