On January 16, 2020, Vice Foreign Minister Le Yucheng held telephone talks with Deputy Secretary of State Stephen Biegun of the United States (US).

Le Yucheng congratulated Stephen Biegun on taking office as Deputy Secretary of State of the US, and exchanged views on the current China-US relations with him. Le Yucheng pointed out, the just-signed China-US phase-one economic and trade agreement fully demonstrates that both sides can undoubtedly find ways to properly deal with and effectively solve problems through dialogue on the basis of equality and mutual respect. China-US relations in the new year should have a new outlook and new accomplishments. China and the US should take the signing of the phase-one economic and trade agreement as an opportunity, adhere to the basis of coordination, cooperation and stability, enhance dialogue, expand cooperation, manage differences and push for sound and stable development of bilateral relations in accordance with the important consensus reached by the two heads of state.

Stephen Biegun thanked Le Yucheng for his congratulations. Stephen Biegun said, the phase-one economic and trade agreement signed by the US and China made a good start for bilateral relations this year. It is hoped that both sides will enhance communication and coordination and conduct more cooperation on issues of mutual interests.

The two sides agreed to continue maintaining contact and exchanging views on issues of common concern in a timely manner.