China's Premier Says American Relations at 'Important Juncture'

China's Premier Li Qiang said Sunday that Beijing and Washington should choose dialogue instead of confrontation, as the two countries are locked in rising friction over trade tariffs and efforts to combat illegal fentanyl trade.

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BEIJING:

Li was speaking during a meeting with US Senator Steve Daines, a strong supporter of President Donald Trump, who is the first member of Congress to visit Beijing since Trump took office in January.

The meeting also involved the leaders of several American businesses, including FedEx Corp. CEO Raj Subramaniam, Boeing Co.'s senior vice president Brendan Nelson, Qualcomm's CEO Cristiano Amon and Pfizer's CEO Albert Bourla.

Li said relations between the countries "have come to an important juncture" and Chinese President Xi Jinping noted the two countries could become partners and friends that contribute to each other's success during a call with Trump in January.