China's new ambassador arrives in U.S. with words of optimism

Qin's arrival comes days after high-level talks in the northern Chinese city of Tianjin between U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Wendy Sherman and senior Chinese diplomats ended with both sides signaling that the other must make concessions for ties to improve.

Qin, 55, a vice foreign minister whose recent past portfolios have included European affairs and protocol, is replacing China's longest serving ambassador to the United States, Cui Tiankai, 68, who last month announced his departure after eight years in Washington.

"I firmly believe that the door of China-U.S. relations, which is already open, cannot and should not be closed," Qin told reporters at his residence in the U.S. capital after arriving from the airport.

"The China-U.S. relationship has come to a new critical juncture, facing not only many difficulties and challenges, but also great opportunities and potential," Qin said.

He said relations kept moving forward "despite twists and turns," and added that the U.S. economy was improving under President Joe Biden's leadership.

"I wish the country an early victory against the pandemic," he added.