Chinese President Xi Jinping said China is ready to be a "partner and friend" of the United States, and that mutual respect and peaceful coexistence should be at the basis of bilateral relations. He said China "has no intention to challenge" the US and that there is "plenty of room" for cooperation. However, he said Washington "should not bet against China or interfere with its internal affairs."
"Whatever stage of development it may reach, China will never pursue hegemony or expansion, and will never impose its will on others. China does not seek spheres of influence, and will not fight a cold war or a hot war with anyone," Xi said at a dinner with business executives in San Francisco.