China-US ties We should be • partners, not rivals, says Xi

But top US diplomat urges greater action from Beijing in curbing support for Russia

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While Chinese President Xi Jinping told the United States' top diplomat that their countries should be "partners, not rivals" at a meeting in China, Mr Antony Blinken warned of new sanctions if Beijing continues aiding Russia's defence industry.

Chinese President Xi Jinping on April 26 told the United States' top diplomat Antony Blinken that the world's two biggest economies should be "partners, not rivals", as the two sides pressed for headway on a range of concerns.

Mr Blinken, in China for the second time in less than a year, pointed to improvements in the relationship but urged greater action from Beijing in areas including curbing support for Russia.

Meeting Mr Blinken in Beijing's Great Hall of the People, Mr Xi said the two countries had "made some positive progress" since he met with US President Joe Biden in November.

"The two countries should be partners, not rivals," Mr Xi said.

But he issued a warning over what China considers US pressure to curb its economy, which has included a sweeping ban on semiconductor exports and efforts to wrest blockbuster app TikTok from its Chinese owners.

"We hope the US can also take a positive view of China's development," Mr Xi said.