Xi warns Blinken against engaging in 'vicious competition'

President Xi Jinping told top US diplomat issues remain in the bilateral relationship, as the world's largest economies held talks aimed at resolving thorny disputes on trade and China's ongoing support of Russia.

The Chinese leader met with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken in Beijing on Friday afternoon, as the two superpowers continue a strategy of maintaining dialogue to manage a growing list of differences. Overall the talks were cordial and muted, bolstering expectations that the two countries can keep ties steady.

"China and the United States should be partners rather than rivals," Xi told Blinken, according to a Chinese Foreign Ministry statement.

The two sides should "seek common ground and reserve differences, rather than engage in vicious competition," he added.