Beijing: China has called on the United States to ensure the "sound" development of bilateral relations after it was reported that Washington denied permission for Taiwan's leader to make a stopover in New York.

According to TRTworld.com, the Trump administration refused to allow Taiwanese President William Lai Ching-te to stop in New York on his way to Central America next month. This decision has prompted a strong response from Beijing. "China firmly opposes any form of official interaction between the US and the Taiwan region. Firmly opposes any trip by the leader of the Taiwan authorities to the US in any name or under whatever pretext," stated Foreign Ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun during a news conference in Beijing.

In response to questions about US President Donald Trump's remarks that he was not seeking a summit with Chinese President Xi Jinping, Guo directed attention to the official readouts released by the Chinese side. President Trump mentioned on Tuesday that he is not currently seeking a meeting with Xi but would consider visiting China if invited by the Chinese leader.

Earlier reports indicated that aides to both leaders have discussed the possibility of a summit during a planned visit to Asia by President Trump later this year. The United States and China are currently engaged in negotiations aimed at reducing trade tensions, highlighting the importance of maintaining stable bilateral relations amid ongoing diplomatic challenges.