Chinese President Xi Jinping said the US and China should be "partners, not rivals," as a series of issues, including Chinese aid for Russia in its war against Ukraine, continue to separate the countries.

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken met Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing on the last day of his China tour Friday.

According to Chinese state broadcaster CCTV, Xi told Blinken the two "countries should be partners, not rivals,” reports DW.

"There are still a number of issues that need to be resolved, and there is still room for further efforts," CCTV cited the Chinese leader as having told Blinken. 

"We hope the US can also take a positive view of China's development," Xi said, adding: "When this fundamental problem is solved...relations can truly stabilize, get better, and move forward." 

Bd-pratidin English/Lutful Hoque