China and the United States should work together to find the right way to get along with each other in the new era, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia on Friday.
Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, expressed his hope that the U.S. side would view China with an objective, rational and pragmatic attitude.
Wang made the remarks during a meeting with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio in the Malaysian capital on the sidelines of the ASEAN Foreign Ministers' Meeting and related meetings.
Wang comprehensively expounded China's principled positions on developing China-U.S. relations, emphasizing that both sides should translate the important consensus reached by the two heads of state into specific policies and actions.
Noting that the U.S. policy towards China should be based on the goal of peaceful coexistence and win-win cooperation, Wang said the United States should treat China in an equal, respectful and mutually beneficial manner.
During the meeting, both sides exchanged views on China-U.S. relations and issues of common concern.
Calling the meeting "positive, pragmatical and constructive," both sides agreed to strengthen communication and dialogue through diplomatic channels and at various spheres and levels so as to give full play to the role of the diplomatic departments in promoting bilateral relations, and explore ways to expand areas of cooperation while managing differences.
Chinese foreign minister meets U.S. Secretary of State in Malaysia
Chinese FM meets US Secretary of State in Malaysia
Chinese FM meets US Secretary of State in Malaysia
The Iranian government is focusing on public concerns and maintaining stable supplies of essential goods amid recent protests, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said in a televised interview on Sunday.
In the city of Karaj, northwest of the capital Tehran, daily life has largely continued as normal. A video filmed by a local resident on Sunday shows food stores open and grocery shelves fully stocked.
"This is the block near my home, and there are some food stores here. Daily life continues here. Last night we did not see many protests in Karaj. Right now the city is very safe. This is a grocery store close to my home. All the food is available; nothing is in shortage. Here are noodles and different types of beans. Here are dairy products, cheese, and yogurt. I also checked other grocery stores and didn't see any shortages. Everything is available," said local resident Ali Reza.
Iranian officials have described recent disturbances as acts orchestrated by the "enemy," including some carried out by well-trained and armed "terrorists." The incidents have caused casualties among security personnel and civilians, as well as property damage.
The Secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council Ali Larijani has directed authorities to severely punish the "terrorists."
Meanwhile, Iran's police chief Ahmad-Reza Radan said on Sunday that the police had raised alert levels and arrested several leaders of the troublemakers during the operations on Saturday.
President Pezeshkian noted in the interview that the normal demands of the Iranian people are reasonable and justified, but they must realize that triggering riots and carrying out terrorist acts are the enemy's attempts to undermine the country. He urged the public to remain vigilant.
Also on Sunday, Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf warned that Tehran would regard U.S. and Israeli bases and facilities in the Middle East as "legitimate targets" if Washington takes military action against Iran. His remarks followed media reports saying U.S. President Donald Trump is "seriously considering authorizing a strike" against Iran.
Iranian state media reported that at least 109 members of Iran's security forces have been killed in clashes since the protests began 14 days ago. Meanwhile, human rights groups based outside the country said the number of protesters killed has exceeded 200, though the figure could not be independently verified.
The protests initially erupted over a sharp depreciation of the rial and sweeping subsidy reforms. Iranian authorities have blamed the unrest on foreign-linked agents and sanctions imposed by the United States.
Iranian president says government focusing on ensuring supplies amid protests
