BEIJING — Ahead of an expected virtual meeting with U.S. President Joe BidenChinese President Xi Jinping said the country is willing to work with the U.S. — on condition of mutual respect.

Beijing uses “mutual respect” to call for better communication with the U.S.

According to a New York-based non profit, National Committee on U.S. China Relations (New York), Xi wrote, “Right now China-U.S. Relations are at a critical historical juncture.”

In the letter, Xi stated that cooperation will benefit both countries and conflict will not. “Cooperation is your only option.”

Biden and Xi have set to hold a virtual meeting as soon as next week, Reuters reportedA few hours before the publication of the letter, I cited a source who is familiar with the subject. In early October, CNBC reported the two leaders planned to hold such a meeting before the end of the year.

“Following the principles of mutual respect, peaceful coexistence and win-win cooperation, China stands ready to work with the United States to enhance exchanges and cooperation across the board,” according to the letter.

The document was read by Qin Gang (China’s Ambassador to the U.S.), during an annual gala organized by the National Committee on U.S.–China Relations. Livestreaming was available Wednesday morning Beijing Time.

Xi said that China was open to working with the U.S. in order to address regional and global issues, as well as to tackle global problems.

He said that the countries must “properly handle differences” while they wait, so as to get China-U.S. relations on the right path of sound development.

Overall, Xi’s remarks maintained the steady, calm tone that most Chinese language has about U.S. relations, and not some of the more agitating aspects. harsher remarks Chinese officials have madeIn the past few months.

This letter is coming as Xi expects to further consolidate his power at a high level political meeting in Beijing next week. It is called The Chinese leader has abolished presidential term limitsHe was allowed to remain on the job beyond his two-year term.

In the past few years, tensions have escalated between China and the U.S.

Former President Donald Trump was Biden’s predecessor. He began taking a hard line against China starting with trade. Trump placed tariffs on Chinese imports in the billions and banned several Chinese tech firms from purchasing critical supplies from U.S. companies.

Trump has been in a tough spot by the Biden administration. worked more with traditional U.S. allies to collectively put pressure on Beijing.

Xi was with Trump when he sent congratulatory messages at the National Committee on U.S. China Relations gala dinner. according to the Chinese embassy in the U.S.Xi was similar to this week when he used the same words as this week and noted that both leaders were willing to work together on resolving differences on mutual respect.