Xi sees 'new vistas' in Sino-US ties

Letter to group says Trump visit has led to consensus on several fronts

President Xi Jinping wrote in a congratulatory letter to the National Committee on US-China Relations that the two nations' relationship "enjoys whole new vistas".

The organization held its annual gala at The Plaza hotel in New York on Monday, and Cui Tiankai, China's ambassador to the US, read Xi's letter.

In it, he offered "heartfelt appreciation" for the relations committee's efforts to promote China-US ties. He also congratulated the US corporations honored at the event.

Microsoft Corp and Qualcomm Inc were honored for their efforts to enhance China-US relations by the way they conduct business in China.

"Going forward, China will stay committed to deepening its reform, opening itself wider to the world and enhancing its friendship and cooperation with other countries," Xi wrote. "In this context, the China-US relationship enjoys whole new vistas."

He added that he and US President Donald Trump, during Trump's state visit to China this month, "reached important consensuses on a broad range of issues".

The leaders agreed to broaden bilateral exchanges and cooperation, strengthen communication and coordination on major international and regional issues, deal with differences on the basis of mutual respect and aim "for greater development of our bilateral relationship".

"China will work with the United States to translate these consensuses into actions and deliver greater benefits not only to our two peoples but also to people across the world," Xi wrote. "I will count on your Committee and all the Chinese and American friends ... to contribute to the friendship and cooperation between China and the United States."

Cui, in his remarks, agreed with the Chinese president about opportunities for China-US relations, and added, "China seeks global partnerships, not global dominance. China stands for better cooperation and communication among our major partners. China will never seek our own development at the expense of other countries."

Steve Howe, US chairman and Americas managing partner of EY, formerly Ernst & Young, presented the award to Microsoft and described China's rising role in the world.

"I visited China for the first time while I was a senior at Colgate University. … So much has changed in the past 35 years - China has transformed itself," he said.

Microsoft President Brad Smith made a video comment. "It's simply impossible to imagine the bright future for our planet that is not founded on a healthy relationship between China and the US - that's part of the reason why we are focusing on events more, just to support this vital bridge across the Pacific."