CRI听力:China, US Agree to Narrow Differences through Talks

The two senior diplomats have all voiced the idea that China and the United States have far more interests and cooperative opportunities than differences.

They also admitted that despite this, some differences still remain between the world's two leading economies.

Foreign Minister Wang Yi stressed that both sides should act in a spirit of mutual respect, seeking common ground while shelving differences in a constructive manner.

"As to the differences, our attitude is that it doesn't matter if we have differences, so long as there is not misunderstanding or misjudgment."

During the meeting, they also discussed a series of topics including the China-US Strategic and Economic Dialogue in June and Chinese President Xi Jinping's visit to the United States in September.

They have also talked about issues of common concerns, including the situation in the South China Sea.

Kerry said the United States is concerned over the pace and the scope of China's reclamation operation in the South China Sea.

"And I urged China through Foreign Minister Wang to take actions that will join with everybody in helping to reduce tensions and increase the prospect of a diplomatic solution. And I think we agree that the region needs "smart diplomacy" in order to conclude the ASEAN and China code of conduct, and not outposts and military strips."

Wang Yi said that China's infrastructure improvement on the Nansha Islands is an affair within its own territorial sovereignty.

"What I would like to reiterate is that China's will in safeguarding its territorial sovereignty and integrity is solid as rocks and unquestionable. The related countries should seek a proper solution to the issue through direct talks, and on the basis of respecting the history and in line with international law, especially by diplomatic means as mentioned by the Secretary of State. This stance, which is our established stance, will never change in the future."

Wang Yi added that as a country that joined the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, China is committed to fulfilling its obligations and responsibilities.

The two sides have also exchanged ideas on the nuclear talks with Iran and North Korea, as well as the China-proposed Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank.

Particularly, Wang Yi mentioned that it is "very necessary" for China and the US to sign a bilateral extradition treaty in the long run, hoping that the two sides could start the negotiation process as soon as possible.