Washington, May 30 (Xinhua) — Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Ma Zhaoxu held consultations with U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Kurt Campbell in Washington on the 30th local time.

　　Speaking at a press conference after the talks, Ma Zhaoxu said he and Campbell had an extensive and in-depth exchange of views on China-U.S. relations and international and regional issues of common concern.

　　Ma Zhaoxu noted that China-U.S. relations are currently at a critical stage of halting the decline and stabilizing. Implementing the important common understandings reached by the two heads of state at their San Francisco meeting last November and further stabilizing and developing China-U.S. relations serve the interests of both sides and meet the common expectation of the international community. China is committed to the steady development of China-U.S. relations, while firmly safeguarding its sovereignty, security and development interests. It is neither feasible nor possible to seek dialogue and cooperation while harming China's interests. Zero-sum games in the name of competition lead nowhere. The Chinese government and people will never accept containment and suppression, or the deprivation of China's legitimate right to development.

　　Ma Zhaoxu stressed that the Taiwan question is the first red line that must not be crossed in China-U.S. relations, and the most important, most sensitive and most explosive issue in the bilateral relationship. "Taiwan independence" is incompatible with peace across the Taiwan Strait. Taiwan is China's Taiwan, and China's reunification is an unstoppable historical trend. "Taiwan independence" is a dead end, and conniving at and supporting "Taiwan independence" is doomed to fail. If the United States truly hopes for peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait, it should abide by the one-China principle and the three China-U.S. joint communiqués, and honor its commitment of not supporting "Taiwan independence."

　　On the Ukraine issue, Ma Zhaoxu said China has consistently upheld an objective and impartial position, is committed to promoting peace talks and a political settlement of the crisis. China has not provided weapons to any party to the conflict and strictly controls dual-use items. However, some in the United States have made unreasonable accusations against China and shifted blame onto China. China firmly opposes this and will take all necessary measures to firmly safeguard its interests. China urges the United States to stop smearing and pressuring China, stop inciting bloc confrontation, and play a constructive role in resolving the Ukraine crisis.

　　Ma Zhaoxu said he also stated China's solemn concerns and position on issues including the South China Sea, economy, trade and science and technology, and the U.S. "Indo-Pacific Strategy," and exchanged views with the U.S. side on regional hotspot issues such as the Middle East and the Korean Peninsula.