Full coverage: China’s Leaders

(Source: CGTN)

This is Tillerson's first face-to-face talk with China's top leader. The joint interests of China and the United States far outweigh the differences, and cooperation is the only correct choice for both countries. That's what President Xi Jinping said in a meeting held in front of media, where various representatives from both sides gathered.

Chinese President Xi Jinping (R) meets with U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, March 19, 2017. (Xinhua/Ju Peng)

President Xi expressed appreciation of Tillerson's visit to China as part of efforts to achieve a smooth transition in an era of new relations. The Chinese president added that he has spoken with his counterpart Donald Trump twice over phone, while exchanging three written letters.

"We need to make joint efforts to advance the cooperation between China and the US, and we believe that we can make sure the relationship moves ahead in a constructive fashion in the new era. I'm confident that as long as we can do this, the relationship can surely move in the right direction," Xi said.

President Xi added that China and the United States must strengthen the coordination of hot regional issues, respect each other's core interests and major concerns, and protect the broad stability of bilateral ties.

Tillerson has forwarded Trump’s greetings to President Xi, saying that Trump attaches great importance to the communication and contact with President Xi.

"President Trump places a very high value on the communications that have already occurred between yourself and President Trump, most particularly the very lengthy telephone conversation where there were very good exchanges to improve the understanding of China's view of the relationship with the United States, and President Trump's as well. And he looks forward to enhancing that understanding and the opportunity for a visit in the future," he said.