Chinese Foreign Ministry on Wednesday said China and the U.S. reached consensus on developing ties in the spirit of no conflict, no confrontation, mutual respect and win-win cooperation.

“This spirit is the correct way for the two major powers to get along with each other,’’ spokesperson Hua Chunying told newsmen at a routine news briefing during U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson’s Beijing trip.

She however responded to a question regarding Tillerson’s reaffirmation of the principle.

Tillerson’s move has received criticism from some U.S. scholars and former government officials.

Some media said that having Tillerson reiterate this principle was a diplomatic triumph for China.

“This cannot be taken as someone’s triumph.

“The principle of no conflict, no confrontation, mutual respect and win-win cooperation has been a good experience for the stable growth of China-U.S. ties in recent years, and is worth continuing.

“China is willing to enhance communication and understanding with the U.S., cement trust, properly handle disputes, expand cooperation in bilateral, regional and multilateral levels and boost new progress of bilateral ties at a new starting point,’’ Hua said.

Recently, Tillerson paid his first visit to China since taking office in February, he is the first cabinet-level official in the new administration of the U.S. to visit China.